Serum creatinine

Definition

Serum creatinine is a blood measurement used to evaluate kidney function. It results from the breakdown of muscle tissue and is filtered out by the kidneys.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normal serum creatinine levels vary by age, sex, and muscle mass but are approximately 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL in adults.
2. Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease.
3. Dietary protein intake can influence serum creatinine levels, particularly in patients with compromised renal function.
4. Serum creatinine is commonly used alongside other tests like the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to assess kidney health.
5. Conditions such as dehydration, high meat consumption, and certain medications can also temporarily elevate serum creatinine levels.

Review Questions

• What is considered a normal range for serum creatinine levels in adults?
• How does dietary protein intake affect serum creatinine levels?
• Why might a healthcare provider order a serum creatinine test?

Related terms

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A test that measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): A blood test that helps evaluate kidney function by measuring the amount of nitrogen in the blood derived from urea.

Creatinine Clearance:

A measure of how efficiently the kidneys are clearing creatinine from the blood, often used to estimate GFR.