Question 1

How is the blood sample taken?

Accepted Answer

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

The signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction include fatigue, lack of concentration, poor appetite, difficulty in sleeping, swelling or puffiness around the eyes or in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs, or ankles; foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine, decrease in the amount of urine, burning sensation while urinating, abnormal discharge during urination, or a change in the frequency of urination, especially at night; pain in mid-back, below the ribs, near the location of kidneys, and high blood pressure.

Question 3

What other tests can be advised along with the creatinine test?

Accepted Answer

The other tests which can be advised along with creatinine test include blood urea nitrogen and urine albumin test especially if a person has known kidney disorder or a disease.

Question 4

What preparation is required before giving a blood sample for a creatinine test?

Accepted Answer

It is advised to fast overnight and avoid eating cooked meat as the consumption of cooked meat can cause an increase in levels of creatinine.

Question 5

Which conditions can cause an increase in levels of creatinine?

Accepted Answer

The conditions which can cause an increase in levels of creatinine include damage or swelling of blood vessels in the kidneys caused due to infection or autoimmune diseases, bacterial infection of the kidneys, death of cells in the kidneys, conditions that can block the flow of urine in urinary tract like kidney stone or prostate disease, and reduced blood flow to the kidney which can be due to shock, congestive heart failure, dehydration, atherosclerosis, or complications of diabetes.

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

The signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction include fatigue, lack of concentration, poor appetite, difficulty in sleeping, swelling or puffiness around the eyes or in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs, or ankles; foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine, decrease in the amount of urine, burning sensation while urinating, abnormal discharge during urination, or a change in the frequency of urination, especially at night; pain in mid-back, below the ribs, near the location of kidneys, and high blood pressure.

Question 7

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

Question 8

What are the signs of kidney problems?

Accepted Answer

The signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction include fatigue, poor appetite, lack of concentration, poor cognition, difficulty in sleeping, swelling or puffiness around the eyes or at the ankles. Foamy or coffee coloured urine and high blood pressure are also signs.

Question 9

Does excess creatinine require medical intervention?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You would require doctor consultation and treatment, which may include  dialysis, if the creatinine levels are high. This is why a serum creatinine test at regular intervals becomes necessary.

Question 10

What does high creatinine indicate?

Accepted Answer

High creatinine levels in the s creatinine test indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly. This needs proper evaluation and management by the doctor, so that a timely diagnosis can be made and treatment initiated at the earliest. Many times delay in treatment can lead to loss of kidney function and need for dialysis.

Question 11

What are the signs of high creatinine levels?

Accepted Answer

Watch out if you have muscular cramps, shortness of breath, swelling of body, especially face and feet, vomiting, nausea, decrease  in urination, blood in urine, fatigue and chest pain. Do not delay in consulting a kidney specialist (nephrologist).

Creatinine, Serum in Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar West, Mumbai

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