What is Creatinine ?
Creatinine is a waste product which is produce by muscles during their metabolism.
It is derive from creatine which is an organic compound found in muscle tissue and plays a role in energy production.
It is produce at a constant proportion and it is filtere out of the blood by the kidneys.
In the human body the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of various substances in the blood.
They filter waste products including creatinine from the bloodstream and excrete them in the urine.
The level of creatinine in the blood is used as an important indicator of kidney function.
When the kidneys are functioning normally they efficiently remove creatinine from the blood resulting in a relatively stable and normal level .
if the kidneys are not functioning properly leading to an accumulation of creatinine in the blood.
The elevated levels of creatinine in the blood often indicate decreased kidney function.
Measuring creatinine levels in the blood is a common test which is use to assess kidney function and monitor the progression of kidney disease.
It is usually measure in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micromoles per liter (µmol/L).
Creatinine levels can use to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
which is a measure of how good the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
The levels can be influence by factors other than kidney function such as muscle mass, age, gender and certain medications.
The interpretation of levels will done in conjunction with other clinical information and diagnostic tests.
normal range
The normal range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the units used for measurement.
However as a general guideline the normal rannge:
- For males: 0.5 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 62 to 115 micromoles per liter (µmol/L).
- For females: 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL or 53 to 97 µmol/L.
It is important to keep in mind that these ranges are approximate and can vary based on factors such as age, muscle mass and individual differences.
Laboratories may use different reference ranges so it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized interpretations of your test results.