What is a creatinine blood test?
A creatinine blood test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product made by your muscles and filtered out by your kidneys. This test helps your doctor see how well your kidneys are working.
Who is a candidate for a creatinine blood test?
You may need this test if you:
- Have symptoms of kidney problems, like swelling or tiredness
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or another condition that can affect the kidneys
- Take medications that can harm the kidneys
- Are being monitored for chronic kidney disease
What to expect during a creatinine blood test
A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm with a needle. The test only takes a few minutes and is usually done in a doctor’s office or lab. In most cases, you don’t need to fast, but your doctor will let you know if any prep is needed.
What are the risks for a creatinine blood test?
The test is very safe. Some people may have slight soreness, bleeding, or bruising at the spot where the blood is drawn, but serious side effects are rare.
What does recovery from a creatinine blood test entail?
There’s no recovery needed. You can go back to your regular routine right after the test. Your doctor will review the results and talk to you about what they mean for your kidney health.