Understanding the Serum Creatinine Test
The serum creatinine test is a common blood test used to evaluate kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood and excrete it in urine. When kidney function declines, creatinine levels in the blood rise.
Why is the Serum Creatinine Test Important?
The serum creatinine test is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease. It helps assess how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. Elevated creatinine levels can indicate kidney damage or impaired kidney function.
Normal and Abnormal Levels
Normal creatinine levels vary based on age, gender, race, and muscle mass. Here are the typical ranges:
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Adult Men: 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL
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Adult Women: 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL
High creatinine levels can indicate kidney damage, dehydration, or other medical conditions. Low levels are usually not a concern but can occur in individuals with low muscle mass.
Serum Creatinine Test in India
In India, the serum creatinine test is widely used to monitor kidney health. The cost of the test varies across different regions, typically ranging from ₹200 to ₹700 depending on the location. The test is often included in routine blood tests to evaluate kidney function and diagnose kidney disorders2.
Genetic Factors and Serum Creatinine
Recent studies have shown that genetic factors can influence serum creatinine levels. Variants in certain genes, such as those encoding solute carriers and ubiquitin ligases, have been associated with creatinine levels and kidney function1. These genetic variations can affect how the kidneys filter creatinine and may contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Conclusion
The serum creatinine test is a valuable tool for assessing kidney health. Understanding the genetic factors that influence creatinine levels can provide deeper insights into kidney function and potential genetic predispositions to kidney disease.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
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High, Low, & Normal Creatinine Levels: What This Blood Test Means
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Creatinine test - Mayo Clinic
