What Is A Creatinine Test?

What To Expect

A creatinine blood test is administered similarly to how other blood tests are administered. A blood sample is usually taken from an easily accessible vein in a patient's inner elbow. A large rubber band-like tourniquet is wrapped around their upper arm, causing the veins to fill up with blood better. Once the nurse has found a good vein to draw from, they use an alcohol pad or another antiseptic to sterilize the area where they are going to insert the needle. A sterile needle is then used to collect one or two tubes of blood from the selected vein. The test itself is not painful, although a small prick can be felt when the needle is inserted into the skin and vein. Once the collection of blood in the vial is completed, the nurse uses a cotton ball or bandage to place pressure on the puncture as they remove the needle from the injection site. A blood draw for a creatinine test is a low-risk procedure, but some patients may experience complications that include vertigo, dizziness, fainting at the sight of blood, puncture site redness, puncture site soreness, bruising, infection, and pain.

Read about what low creatinine means next.