Indications

Creatinine, often abbreviated as “krea,” is a waste product formed in the muscles during the breakdown of creatine phosphate, which serves as the body’s energy reserve. The amount of creatinine produced is determined by muscle mass. In the kidneys, creatinine is filtered out of the blood and excreted in the urine.

A creatinine test is recommended if you want insight into your kidney health or if you suspect impaired kidney function. The test is performed using a blood sample taken from a vein in your arm, which is then sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Measuring creatinine levels provides an indication of how effectively your kidneys are filtering creatinine and whether there are any deviations from normal levels.

Analyzing creatinine levels can also be relevant when assessing the risk of diabetes-related complications. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate reduced kidney function, a common complication in diabetes patients. Since diabetics are at higher risk for developing kidney diseases, regular monitoring of creatinine levels can help detect potential kidney issues early on.

Additional Information

It is important to note that the use of creatine supplements can temporarily affect blood creatinine levels. Regular creatine intake may result in elevated creatinine readings during the test. Therefore, we recommend informing our healthcare team about any creatine supplementation prior to testing to ensure more accurate results.