What is a creatinine test?
Definition Creatine is an important compound produced by the body. It combines with phosphorus to make a high–energy phosphate compound in the body. Creatine phosphate is used in skeletal muscle contraction. Purpose The creatinine test is used to diagnose impaired kidney function and to determine renal (kidney) damage. Precautions A diet high in meat content can cause transient elevations of serum creatinine. Some drugs that may increase creatinine values include gentamicin, cimetidine, heavy-metal chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cisplatin), and other drugs toxic to the kidneys, such as the cephalosporins. Description The creatinine test is used to measure the amount of creatinine in the blood. Because creatinine is a nonprotein end-product of creatine phosphate, which is used in skeletal muscle contraction, the daily production of creatine, and the following product, creatinine, depends on muscle mass, which fluctuates very little. Creatinine is excreted entirely by the kidneys, and th
