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Why is this test performed? | Serum and urine creatinine, as well as creatinine clearance, are used to assess kidney function. Creatinine clearance is used, among other things, to detect early stage kidney disease, to adjust medication dosages and to monitor the adverse effects of certain medications on the kidneys. |
How to prepare: |
To measure urine creatinine
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Reference values: |
Creatinine clearance progressively decreases with age. Serum creatinine levels vary in children. |
Related tests: | In addition to creatinine measurements, blood urea nitrogen levels are also measured. Normal values are between 2.5 and 8.2 mmol/L. |
Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles through normal contraction. Serum creatinine levels are fairly constant and proportional to muscle mass. Creatinine is excreted from the body through the kidneys. As a result, creatinine provides a good measure of how well the kidneys are working. An individual's creatinine clearance is determined using a mathematical calculation and the level of creatine in urine and in the blood. The resulting value indicates the amount of blood cleared of creatinine in one minute.
If the result is too high
If the result is too low
Upward
Downward
Certain drugs can affect serum and urine creatinine levels, including:
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A mathematical formula is used to calculate creatinine clearance. Measurements may be biased in infants, the elderly, obese patients or those with low muscle mass.
Before going for blood tests, a procedure or other exam, it is best to always bring a list of all the drugs you take (prescription, OTC and natural health products). Unless told otherwise, you should take your medication as usual on the day of the test. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist for more information.
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.