What is a typical method to measure serum creatinine levels?

Measuring serum creatinine levels is primarily accomplished through a blood test. This method involves drawing a sample of blood from a patient and analyzing it in the laboratory to determine the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by muscle metabolism. The serum creatinine level is a key indicator of kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering out creatinine from the blood. Elevated levels can suggest impaired kidney function, making this test an important diagnostic tool in assessing renal health.

Urinalysis, while useful for assessing other aspects of kidney function and overall health, does not provide direct measurement of serum creatinine. A CT scan is an imaging technique used to visualize internal structures and would not measure creatinine levels. An electrocardiogram, which records the electrical activity of the heart, also cannot assess serum creatinine. Therefore, the blood test stands out as the appropriate and standard method for measuring serum creatinine.