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Blood biochemistry: creatinine
Synonym(s): Serum creatinine
Overview
- Derived from breakdown of creatinine in muscle.
- Excreted by kidneys.
- Not influenced by protein metabolism (unlike urea Blood biochemistry: urea).
- Important marker of renal function Kidney: chronic kidney disease; levels controlled by excretion rate.
- Plasma concentration also depends on muscle mass.
Uses
In combination
- In combination with urea Blood biochemistry: urea and urine specific gravity Urinalysis: specific gravity as indicator of renal function Renal function assessment.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Colorimetric method: reaction between alkaline picrate solution and creatinine. Non-creatinine chromagens and other compounds may also react with alkaline picrate solution.
- Enzymatic method: no artifacts caused by chromagens.
Availability
- Widely available.
Validity
Sensitivity
- Better indicator of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than BUN, but increases in serum creatinine are not in proportion to the decrease in GFR.
- Low sensitivity for detection of renal disease (especially if poor body condition and muscle mass).
- Must be used in conjunction with other tests especially urine specific gravity.
Specificity
- Varies along the day with food intake.
- Must be used in conjunction with other tests (especially urine specific gravity).
Technique intrinsic limitations
- Interpret in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from VetMedResource and PubMed.
Other sources of information
- International Renal Interest Society, IRIS Staging of CKD: http://www.iris-kidney.com.
- Ettinger S J & Feldman E C (2000) Eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 5th edn. W B Saunders & Co, USA.
- Kaneko J J, Harvey J W & Brass M L (1997) Eds. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. 5th edn. Academic Press, USA.
- Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffey E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. Clinical Pathology. 3rd edn. Iowa University Press, USA.