What is Creatinine Test?

A creatinine blood test measures the amount of creatinine in the bloodstream of a human body. The muscles in our body contain creatine which helps in recycling adenosine triphosphate. Adenosine triphosphate is the energy currency for our cells and needs to be recycled at all costs. When creatine breaks down, it produces a waste substance. The waste substance is known as creatinine and needs to be eliminated from the body. Sometimes, creatinine is not removed from the body at frequent intervals, which can cause future complications. Since creatinine is a waste material, it should be discharged and not present in the bloodstream.

Kidneys in the human body consist of more than a million nephrons. These nephrons are responsible for filtering blood. With the help of a tiny cluster of glomeruli, nephrons filter the blood in the human body. Excess water and other impurities are discharged from the body using nephrons. Ideally, kidneys should remove creatinine from the body as it is a waste substance. When the kidneys fail or become damaged, they do not discharge creatinine at frequent intervals. Creatinine is not collected in the bladder and is not removed during urination. As a result, the creatinine levels in the bloodstream rise. It is vital to measure kidney functions at frequent intervals. With a creatinine blood test, the functioning of the kidneys can be measured. Read on to know more about a creatinine blood test and its usefulness.

What is Creatinine Test?

A creatinine blood test measures the amount of creatinine in the bloodstream of a human body. The muscles in our body contain creatine which helps in recycling adenosine triphosphate. Adenosine triphosphate is the energy currency for our cells and needs to be recycled at all costs. When creatine breaks down, it produces a waste substance. The waste substance is known as creatinine and needs to be eliminated from the body. Sometimes, creatinine is not removed from the body at frequent intervals, which can cause future complications. Since creatinine is a waste material, it should be discharged and not present in the bloodstream.

Kidneys in the human body consist of more than a million nephrons. These nephrons are responsible for filtering blood. With the help of a tiny cluster of glomeruli, nephrons filter the blood in the human body. Excess water and other impurities are discharged from the body using nephrons. Ideally, kidneys should remove creatinine from the body as it is a waste substance. When the kidneys fail or become damaged, they do not discharge creatinine at frequent intervals. Creatinine is not collected in the bladder and is not removed during urination. As a result, the creatinine levels in the bloodstream rise. It is vital to measure kidney functions at frequent intervals. With a creatinine blood test, the functioning of the kidneys can be measured. Read on to know more about a creatinine blood test and its usefulness.

Who Should Get a Creatinine Blood Test?

People suffering from any kidney-related disease/condition might need a creatinine blood test. A creatinine blood test is required if the kidney is not functioning to its maximum. A healthy person can also opt for a creatinine blood test. People with no viable symptoms take a creatinine blood test to know their kidney functions. Infants can also need a creatinine blood test in some cases. Some symptoms in the human body that call for a creatinine blood test are as follows:

• Excessive fatigue
• Sleeplessness
• Excessive swelling in the ankles, wrists, or face
• Lower backache
• Changes in the urine frequency
• High BP
• Nausea
• Frequent vomiting
• Diabetic symptoms
• Glomerulonephritis symptoms
• Pyelonephritis symptoms
• Kidney stones
• Excessive dehydration
• Drug abuse symptoms 
• Blockage of urinary tract

Why Get Tested for Creatinine Blood Level?

As discussed above, creatinine is a waste material that is discharged from the body at frequent intervals. Since it is a waste material, it cannot linger in the bloodstream for long. Sometimes, the kidney fails and cannot discharge creatinine from the body. In such an instance, a creatinine blood test is required. A creatinine test is also needed to detect several diseases in the body.

When Get Tested for Creatinine Blood Level?

One can take a creatinine blood test after experiencing any problems in the kidney. One also needs a creatinine blood test for diseases like pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, and diabetes. Someone having a family history of kidney ailments should get a creatinine blood test at frequent intervals. Healthy individuals should also take a creatinine blood test yearly to learn about their kidney health.

Sample Required

For a creatinine blood test, a small blood sample is needed. One should not confuse the creatinine test with a standard blood test for creatinine. For a creatinine urine test, you may need to collect urine over 24 hours in containers provided by the clinic. For a creatinine blood test, a needle will be inserted in your vein to draw blood.

Is Fasting Required Before a Creatinine Blood Test?

You don't have to prepare specially for a creatinine blood test. One does not have to fast before taking a creatinine blood test. However, one should tell the doctor about ongoing medications before taking a creatinine test. Generally, the creatinine blood test is quick and free from any risk.