Kidney
Creatinine — what it measures
For understanding, not diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between laboratories; the ranges on your own report, and your doctor’s reading of them, always come first.
What it measures
Creatinine is a waste product of normal muscle metabolism that the kidneys filter from the blood. Its level is used, together with other information, as an indirect marker of how well the kidneys are filtering.
What can skew it
Muscle mass, a large meat-heavy meal, creatine supplements, dehydration and some medicines can all move creatinine levels.
Reference ranges
Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, sex and muscle mass, so interpret your result using your own report's range and your clinician's assessment.
Medical disclaimer: This page is educational only. It cannot tell you whether your result is normal or what to do about it — that is a decision for your doctor, with your full history.