Creatinine - blood Creatinine is a breakdown product of
creatine, which is an important part of muscle. This article
discusses the laboratory test to measure the amount of
creatinine in the blood. Creatinine can also be measured with a
urine test. See: Creatinine - urine How the test is performed A
blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done,
see: Venipuncture How to prepare for the test The health care
provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that may
affect the test. Such drugs include: Aminoglycosides (for
example, gentamicin) Heavy metal chemotherapy drugs (for
example, cisplatin) Kidney damaging drugs such as cephalosporins
(for example, cephalexin) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) How the test will feel When the needle is inserted to
draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel
only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some
throbbing. Why the test is performed The test is done to see how
well your kidneys work. Creatinine is remov