Creatinine-Urine
Alternate Names : Urine Creatinine - Spot Collection
This test measures the amount of creatinine in the urine.
Creatinine is produced in the muscles and filtered by the kidneys. The
amount of creatinine in the urine is a measure of how well the kidneys
are functioning.
Who is a candidate for the test?
This test may be ordered to check a person's intake of fluid or of
high protein foods such as meat. It also detects muscle damage or
degeneration, nerve damage from diabetes mellitus,
or other disorders of the endocrine system. It provides clues about damage
or blockages within the kidney, bladder or other parts of the urinary system.
How is the test performed?
Either a 24-hour urine sample or a spot sample may be done.
For a spot sample, the person urinates and collects
a small sample in a container. The container is sealed and given to the
healthcare provider.
For a 24-hour urine sample, the person should follow the
specific instructions of the healthcare provider. In general, this schedule
is followed:
Day 1: The person urinates upon arising without collecting that sample.
After that, he or she collects all of his or her urine
for the next 24 hours in a special container.
Day 2: First thing in the morning, the person urinates into the
container again. Then the individual covers it and refrigerates it. The
sample is brought to the doctor, who will send it to the lab for analysis.
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