Creatinine test

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Definition Why it's done How you prepare

What you can expect Results

Definition

A creatinine test reveals important information about your kidneys.

Creatinine is a chemical waste product that's produced when you use your muscles or eat meat. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine and other waste products from your blood. The filtered waste products leave your body in your urine. If your kidneys aren't functioning properly, an increased level of creatinine may accumulate in your blood. A serum creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine can also be measured in your urine.

Because diabetes can damage the kidneys, regular creatinine tests are often recommended for people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you have kidney disease, creatinine tests can help your doctor monitor your condition. Creatinine tests can also impact your treatment plan, since several medications may not be safe to take if your kidneys aren't working well.

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