Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles during normal wear and tear. It's filtered out of your blood by your kidneys and excreted in urine. A creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood, which can indicate how well your kidneys are working. If your blood creatinine levels are high, it may mean your kidneys aren't filtering waste properly.
Here's how creatinine relates to kidney function:
- Healthy kidneys: Efficiently remove creatinine from the blood, resulting in lower blood creatinine levels.
- Impaired kidneys: May not be able to filter creatinine as effectively, leading to higher blood creatinine levels.
Factors influencing creatinine levels:
- Age: Creatinine levels can vary with age.
- Sex: Men generally have higher creatinine levels than women due to more muscle mass.
- Muscle mass: Individuals with more muscle mass produce more creatinine.
- Diet: High-protein diets can increase creatinine production.
A creatinine test is a routine blood test often included in a comprehensive metabolic panel. It helps your doctor assess your overall health and can be used to monitor kidney function, especially if you have a history of kidney disease or other health conditions that affect your kidneys.
