Your blood contains creatinine, a waste product produced by your muscles. Creatinine gets released from your blood by your kidneys through urine. Based on a creatinine serum test that determines the level of creatinine in your body, your serum creatinine is measured. It indicates the efficiency of your kidneys' function. Your serum creatinine levels rise when your kidneys are not functioning properly. Your doctor can check your urine for creatinine as well.
How Can One Determine Their Serum Creatinine Level?
Your blood will be obtained at the doctor's office to determine your serum creatinine. Your blood sample will be tested at a lab to determine the level of creatinine present. Your doctor will then discuss the test results with you.
Creatinine Normal Range
Milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) are used to represent the results of serum creatinine test. Your gender, age, and level of muscle mass all affect your normal creatinine levels. A normal range of creatinine tests is usually:
0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL in men
0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL in women
A blood creatinine level that is higher than normal might indicate that one’s kidneys are not functioning properly. To choose the best course of action, your doctor will evaluate the results of other tests and your serum creatinine level. Your doctor could prescribe additional tests if the serum creatinine level is higher than normal.
Tips to Keep Kidneys Healthy
You can also follow these tips to keep the kidneys healthy as possible:
Maintain a healthy blood pressure (generally less than 120/80).
If one has diabetes, control the blood sugar levels.
Eat daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Consume foods that are low in saturated fat and sodium.
Be active most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Use no tobacco products or smoke.
Consult your doctor about taking medications that might help keep your kidneys healthy.