Test Name: Creatinine, Blood
Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
Specimen Required: 3-5 Cc Yellow Top Gel Vial, Green top
Lithium Heparin Vial
Day Performed: Daily
Reporting Time: 8 Hours STAT Reporting Time:20-120 MINUTES
Methodology: Beckman Coulter AU480
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Creatinine level varies based on a person’s size and muscle mass.
A higher than normal level may be due to:
- Blocked urinary tract
- Kidney problems, such as kidney damage or failure, infection, or reduced blood flow
- Loss of body fluid (dehydration)
- Muscle damage, such as breakdown of muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis)
- Problems during pregnancy, such as seizures caused by eclampsia or high blood pressure caused by preeclampsia
A lower than normal level may be due to:
- Conditions involving the muscles and nerves that lead to decreased muscle mass
- Malnutrition
References:
- Landry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020: chap 106.
- Oh MS, Briefel G, Pincus MR. Evaluation of renal function, water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 15.