Table of Contents
Why is creatinine used to measure kidney function?
A creatinine test is a measure of how well your kidneys are performing their job of filtering waste from your blood. Creatinine is a chemical compound left over from energy-producing processes in your muscles. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood. Creatinine exits your body as a waste product in urine.
Is creatinine test enough for kidney function?
A serum (or blood) creatinine test alone should not be used to check kidney function. GFR is calculated using the serum creatinine and other factors such as age and gender. In the early stages of kidney disease GFR may be normal. A value of 60 or higher is normal (GFR decreases with age).
What is the best indicator of renal function?
Glomerular filtration rate is the best overall indicator of kidney function. It is superior to the serum creatinine level, which varies with age, sex, and race and often does not reflect kidney function accurately.
Which test is best for kidney function?
Your kidney numbers include 2 tests: ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) and GFR (glomerular filtration rate). GFR is a measure of kidney function and is performed through a blood test. Your GFR will determine what stage of kidney disease you have – there are 5 stages.
What to do if creatinine level is too high?
Address and treat the underlying problem. High creatinine levels are rarely an independent problem.
What are the risks of a creatinine test?
However, there are some minor risks, including: fainting at the sight of blood dizziness or vertigo soreness or redness at the puncture site bruising pain infection
What blood test shows kidney function?
A blood test and a urine test are used to find kidney disease. Because you are at risk, you should get these tests regularly: GFR – A blood test measures how much blood your kidneys filter each minute, which is known as your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Urine Albumin – A urine test checks for albumin in your urine.
What levels of creatinine would indicate kidney disease?
The level of creatinine above 2.0 mg/dl in infants and above 5.0 mg/dl in adults indicates severe kidney problems. Now that you are clear with when to worry about creatinine levels.