Final answer:
A high creatinine test usually signifies impaired kidney function and necessitates further medical evaluation. The person may need additional testing such as a creatinine clearance test or a kidney biopsy to determine the underlying cause. Management includes treating the underlying condition possibly with medication, lifestyle changes, or dialysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient presents with a high creatinine test, it indicates that their kidneys may not be functioning properly. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body and is usually excreted by the kidneys. An elevated serum creatinine level signifies impaired kidney function or kidney disease. As the role of blood creatinine is to act as an aid to diagnosis, especially in the context of muscle metabolism and kidney function, it’s crucial to investigate the underlying cause when levels are high.
For a person with a high creatinine level, the next steps often involve further testing to assess kidney function, including a creatinine clearance test which measures the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This test determines how well the kidneys are filtering wastes from the blood. It is calculated using concentrations in the urine and plasma and may be corrected for the body's surface area. If kidney disease is suspected, tests like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), plasma creatinine, and urinalysis may be conducted alongside imaging tests or even a kidney biopsy.
Management of high creatinine levels focuses on treating the underlying condition. This may require medications, lifestyle changes, or more intensive treatment like dialysis, depending on the severity of the kidney dysfunction. Therefore, a high creatinine level is a serious finding that should prompt further medical evaluation and intervention.