Why do we do serum creatinine tests?

• A. To assess kidney function before imaging contrast
• B. To monitor liver function in statin therapy
• C. To track blood sugar levels
• D. To evaluate electrolyte balance

Answer: (A)

Serum creatinine tests are used to gauge how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. Before imaging studies that require intravenous contrast, it’s important to know kidney function because contrast material can stress or damage the kidneys. If creatinine is high or the estimated glomerular filtration rate is low, clinicians may choose to avoid or adjust the contrast, use hydration strategies, or select alternative imaging methods to reduce the risk of contrast-induced kidney injury.

This test specifically reflects kidney function, not liver function, blood sugar, or electrolyte balance, which are assessed with other tests. Creatinine levels help identify potential kidney impairment so safe planning for imaging can occur.