Are There Any Limitations in Using Creatinine as a Biomarker?
While creatinine is a valuable biomarker for kidney function, it does have limitations. Factors such as muscle mass, diet, and hydration status can influence creatinine levels. Additionally, creatinine levels may not rise until significant kidney damage has occurred, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with other tests, such as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), to provide a more comprehensive assessment of kidney health.