Serum Creatinine (S.Cr) Test: Understanding Kidney Function
What is the Serum Creatinine (S.Cr) Test?
The Serum Creatinine (S.Cr) test measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles and filtered out by the kidneys. This test helps assess kidney function and detect potential kidney disease.
Why is the S.Cr Test Important?
Since the kidneys remove creatinine from the blood, an elevated creatinine level may indicate reduced kidney function. Doctors use this test to:
✅ Monitor kidney health
✅ Diagnose kidney disease or failure
✅ Assess the effect of medications on the kidneys
✅ Evaluate hydration status
Normal Serum Creatinine Levels
Creatinine levels vary by age, sex, and muscle mass:
- Men: 0.7 – 1.3 mg/dL (62 – 115 µmol/L)
- Women: 0.6 – 1.1 mg/dL (53 – 97 µmol/L)
- Children: 0.2 – 1.0 mg/dL (18 – 88 µmol/L)
What Do High Creatinine Levels Mean?
📌 Mildly Elevated (1.3 – 1.9 mg/dL) – Could indicate dehydration, high protein intake, or early kidney dysfunction.
📌 Moderately High (2.0 – 4.0 mg/dL) – May suggest chronic kidney disease (CKD) or an acute kidney problem.
📌 Severely High (>4.0 mg/dL) – Often seen in kidney failure, requiring urgent medical evaluation.
What Causes High Creatinine Levels?
🚩 Kidney disease or failure
🚩 Dehydration
🚩 High protein diet
🚩 Certain medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics, ACE inhibitors)
🚩 Severe infections or shock
🚩 Muscle disorders or excessive exercise
How to Lower High Creatinine Levels?
✔ Stay hydrated – Drink enough water daily
✔ Follow a kidney-friendly diet – Reduce protein, sodium, and phosphorus intake
✔ Avoid nephrotoxic drugs – Certain painkillers and antibiotics may harm the kidneys
✔ Control diabetes & blood pressure – Two major causes of kidney disease
✔ Consult your doctor for proper treatment
Related Kidney Function Tests
📌 Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – Evaluates nitrogen waste in the blood
📌 eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) – Assesses overall kidney filtration efficiency
📌 Urine Creatinine Test – Measures creatinine excretion in urine
Final Thoughts
A Serum Creatinine test is a simple yet crucial tool for evaluating kidney health. If your creatinine levels are high, consult a doctor for further assessment and lifestyle changes to protect your kidneys.
📌 Have questions about your lab results? Drop a comment below!
