What does serum creatinine indicate in laboratory tests?

Serum creatinine is a specific marker used in laboratory tests to assess kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product formed from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue and is produced at a fairly constant rate in the body. The kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood and excrete it in urine. When kidney function declines, the level of serum creatinine in the bloodstream increases because the kidneys are unable to effectively filter out this waste product.

Therefore, measuring serum creatinine helps healthcare providers evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Elevated levels of serum creatinine can indicate conditions such as chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury. Regular monitoring of creatinine levels can aid in the detection of kidney dysfunction before symptoms become apparent, making it a critical aspect of kidney health assessment.