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Creatinine

Alternate Name: Crea

SAL Code:

306

CPT:

82565

Loinc:

2160-0

Turn Around Time:

1 Day

Setup:

Daily

Units:

mg/dL

Department:

Chemistry

Performing Laboratory:

Sherman Abrams Laboratory

Specimen Requirements:

Primary Tube:

SST

Primary Substance:

Serum

Temperature

Period

Stable Ambient:

7 Days

Stable Fridge:

7 Days

Stable Frozen:

14 Days

Rejection Criteria:

Gross hemolysis; improper labeling

Clinical Info:

The creatinine blood test is used along with a BUN (blood urea nitrogen) test (SAL# 305) to assess kidney function. Creatinine can be used to monitor the progress of kidney dysfunction and the effectiveness of treatment. Serum creatinine measurements (along with age, weight, and sex) also are used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is used as a screening test to look for evidence of kidney damage.

Additional Information:

Serum creatinine is useful in the evaluation of kidney function and in monitoring renal dialysis. A serum creatinine result within the reference range does not rule out renal function impairment: serum creatinine is not sensitive to early renal damage since it varies with age, gender and ethnic background. The impact of these variables can be reduced by an estimation of the glomerular filtration rate using an equation that includes serum creatinine, age and gender.

Sample Collection:

Collect patient samples using standard phlebotomy techniques. Click here for additional collection instructions.

Test Limitations:

With reduced renal blood flow, creatinine rises less quickly than urea nitrogen. Concentration of creatinine only becomes abnormal when about half or more of the nephrons have stopped functioning in chronic progressive renal disease. In some cases certain gammopathies, especially monoclonal IgM (Waldenström's macroglobulinemia), and some drugs such as cefoxitin may cause unreliable results.

Specimen Handling Instructions:

Maintain at ambient temperature; or refrigerated if more than 12 hours. Avoid exposure to heat or freezing temperatures.

Test Information:

Components:

Brooklyn Navy Yard
Building 292, Suite 416
63 Flushing Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

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