| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Creatinine - serum |
| Overview Risks Results |
| Alternative Names: |
| Serum creatinine |
| What the risks are: |
A measurement of the serum creatinine level is used to evaluate kidney function. Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is an important component of muscle. Creatinine can be converted to the ATP molecule, which is a high-energy source. The daily production of creatine and subsequently creatinine, depends on muscle mass, which fluctuates very little. Creatinine is excreted from the body entirely by the kidneys. With normal renal excretory function, the serum creatinine level should remain constant and normal. |
| Special considerations: |
| Drugs that can increase creatinine measurements include aminoglycosides (for example, gentamicin), Bactrim, cimetidine, heavy metal chemotherapeutic agents (for example, Cisplatin), and nephrotoxic drugs -- such as cephalosporins (for example, cefoxitin). |
Creatinine tests |
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