Definition - What does Creatinine Ratio mean?
The creatinine ratio is a standard clinical measurement used by doctors in evaluating the amount of the biochemical waste product creatinine in direct proportion to another molecular byproduct called blood urea nitrogen (BUN) that affects kidney functionality. Also known as BUN-to-creatinine ratio, physicians collect blood and/or urine specimens to examine concentration levels in the bloodstream between the two metabolites. The initial findings from the specimens are then compared to baseline metric values to indicate either healthy or unhealthy kidneys.
SureHire explains Creatinine Ratio
Kidney function contributes vitally to filtering biochemical waste products from the blood following normal metabolic decomposition processes. Although, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen can be tested independently, the BUN-to -creatinine ratio methodology is a better criterion in identifying suspected reasons for deficient or excess creatinine/BUN levels. An imbalance of creatinine and/or BUN metabolites in the blood can point to a number of systemic conditions including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high protein diet.
Elevated or lowered creatinine/BUN levels are suspect indicators of kidney and/or liver failure, but in some cases patients can experience brief periods of erratic creatinine and BUN levels related to a manageable issue. For instance, dehydration can cause a spike in the BUN-to-creatinine ratio due to lack of water that replenishes the bloodstream with essential oxygen to regulate homeostasis of the kidneys. Dehydration can negatively impact people’s lives at home and at work with symptoms including cognitive impairments, drowsiness, and urination problems.
The BUN-to-creatinine ratio testing method is the most reliable source to target a specific health concern, avoiding false warnings in the event acute kidney failure occurs. Incidentally, this can lead to indefinite dialysis treatment until the patient receives a kidney replacement.
