Which component of blood is commonly assessed to evaluate kidney function?

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is commonly used as an indicator of kidney function. The kidneys filter creatinine from the blood, and its levels in the bloodstream can reflect how effectively the kidneys are functioning. When kidney function declines, the ability to clear creatinine from the blood decreases, leading to elevated levels.

Assessing creatinine levels is a standard practice in evaluating renal health, as it provides insight into glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a key measure of kidney performance. High creatinine levels may signal issues such as kidney disease or damage, making it a crucial marker in clinical settings.

In contrast, white blood cells primarily relate to immune response and infection, glucose levels often pertain to diabetes management, and platelets are involved in coagulation and do not provide direct insight into kidney function. Therefore, creatinine is specifically targeted for its relevance in assessing renal status.