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Creatinine - CREA

What does the Creatinine - CREA blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:

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Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. The creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood, providing an indication of kidney function. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine from the blood, so elevated levels may suggest impaired kidney function. This test is crucial for assessing renal health, monitoring kidney disease progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Factors such as muscle mass, age, gender, and diet can influence creatinine levels, making it important to interpret results in context with other clinical findings.

Acceptable Range:   0.6 to 1.3
Ideal for Women:   0.5-1.1
Ideal for Men:   0.7-1.2
Ideal for Girls:   0.5-1.0
Ideal for Boys:   0.5-1.0
Test Method: blood

What do readings below 0.6 mg/dL for Creatinine - CREA mean?

A low creatinine level is less common and typically not as concerning as high levels. However, it may indicate:

  1. Decreased muscle mass due to conditions like muscular dystrophy or malnutrition
  2. Liver disease, which can affect creatinine production
  3. Pregnancy, as blood volume increases, diluting creatinine concentration
  4. Overhydration, leading to diluted blood creatinine levels

Low creatinine doesn’t usually indicate kidney problems but may warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause.

What do readings above 1.3 mg/dL for Creatinine - CREA mean?

Elevated creatinine levels often indicate impaired kidney function and may suggest:

  1. Acute or chronic kidney disease
  2. Dehydration, reducing blood flow to the kidneys
  3. Obstruction in the urinary tract
  4. Certain medications that affect kidney function
  5. Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
  6. Congestive heart failure, reducing blood flow to the kidneys

High creatinine levels require prompt medical attention to identify the cause and prevent further kidney damage. Additional tests may be necessary to assess overall kidney function and determine appropriate treatment.

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