Creatinine blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Creatinine is produced at a fairly steady rate as muscles use creatine for energy. It passes into the blood and is removed almost entirely by the kidneys. If the kidneys are filtering less effectively, creatinine builds up, so the blood level is a practical guide to kidney function.

Laboratories in the UK often use creatinine, together with your age and sex, to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which describes how well the kidneys are clearing waste. Creatinine is also affected by muscle mass and diet, which is why it is read with your wider health picture.

The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which can affect the kidneys over time.
• You take medicines such as some blood pressure tablets, diuretics or regular anti-inflammatories.
• You have a family history of kidney disease.
• You are taking creatine supplements or following a high-protein diet and want to understand your level.
• Your GP has asked you to repeat a kidney blood test.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your creatinine against the laboratory reference range. A higher result can mean the kidneys are filtering less well, but it can also reflect dehydration, a large muscle mass, a recent meat-heavy meal, hard exercise or creatine supplements. A lower result is usually linked with lower muscle mass and is rarely a concern on its own.

Kidney function is best judged on more than one reading, and a single raised value is often repeated before conclusions are drawn. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner and, if needed, your GP, not a diagnosis of kidney disease.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not essential, but avoid eating a large portion of cooked meat in the 12 hours before your test, as this can temporarily raise creatinine. Drink water normally so you are well hydrated, and avoid heavy exercise the day before. Let us know if you take creatine supplements or medicines that affect the kidneys, and continue prescribed medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise.

For a fuller kidney picture, Kidney Health Check adds urea, electrolytes and eGFR, while Omnia Essential includes creatinine within a general health check. You can see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a creatinine blood test in Chiswick?

A creatinine blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £59. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

What is the difference between creatinine and eGFR?

Creatinine is the measured substance in your blood. eGFR is a calculation based on creatinine, age and sex that estimates how well your kidneys filter. Your practitioner can discuss both with you.

Do creatine supplements affect the result?

Yes, they can raise blood creatinine without any kidney problem. Tell us if you take them so your practitioner can take this into account, or consider pausing them for a week before testing if that is safe for you.

How often should creatinine be checked?

This depends on your health and medicines. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney-related medicines are usually checked at least once a year, and your GP may advise a different schedule.