A blood test that measures the level of creatinine—a waste product generated by normal muscle breakdown—to evaluate how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.
Test Instructions:
Fasting: Generally, no fasting is required, though your doctor may advise fasting if it is combined with other metabolic panels.
Diet & Supplements: Avoid consuming large amounts of cooked meat for 24 hours prior to the test, and steer clear of creatine supplements, as both can temporarily elevate creatinine levels.
Medication: Inform your doctor of all current medications, as certain drugs can influence kidney markers.