Serum creatinine

Definition

Serum creatinine is a waste product found in the blood that comes from muscle metabolism. It is commonly used as an indicator of kidney function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normal serum creatinine levels are typically around 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females.
2. Elevated serum creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease.
3. Diuretic drugs can affect serum creatinine levels by altering fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
4. Creatinine clearance tests, which measure how well the kidneys remove creatinine from the blood, are often used alongside serum creatinine measurements.
5. Medications like loop diuretics may increase serum creatinine temporarily due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys.

Review Questions

• What is the normal range for serum creatinine levels in males and females?
• How can diuretic drugs impact serum creatinine levels?
• Why might elevated serum creatinine indicate a problem with kidney function?

Related terms

Creatinine Clearance:

A test that measures how well kidneys remove creatinine from the blood.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR):

A measure of how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

Loop Diuretics:

A class of diuretic drugs that inhibit sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, often used to treat conditions like hypertension and edema.