Creatinine value helps assess kidney function.
Creatinine is formed in the muscles in the metabolic reaction of creatine. The body cannot utilize creatinine. Instead, it moves from the muscles into the bloodstream and from there to the kidneys where it is filtered into urine.
The creatinine level reflects kidney function thus the creatinine value helps assess kidney function. The creatinine value increases if its excretion in the kidneys is impaired.
Creatinine is measured to determine or monitor kidney function. It is measured when assessing overall health, determining the causes of abnormal symptoms, in the context of kidney-affecting diseases (for example severe infections, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases), and when starting or adjusting medications that may affect kidneys. A mild increase in creatinine usually does not cause any symptoms or sensations.
You can order the creatinine as a single test from Vital’s online store. Add the desired products to the shopping cart and complete all the tests at once.
Creatinine is included in the following test packages:
The amount of creatinine depends on muscle mass. Men produce more creatinine than women. Young, muscular men may have creatinine levels above the reference values even if their kidneys are healthy. The cause of elevated creatinine should always be examined by a doctor.
In addition to gender, age also significantly influences the reference values, as kidney function and the glomerular filtration rate decrease with age. However, the creatinine levels of healthy individuals usually remain stable regardless of age, as our muscle mass also decreases as we get older.
| Women >18 years | 45 – 90 µmol/L |
| Men >18 years | 50 – 100 µmol/L |
The reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
High levels of creatinine in the blood may be a sign of kidney failure.
Concentrations are increased in patients with kidney failure. In severe kidney failure, the creatinine level can increase up to 500–1,000 µmol/L and more, in which case dialysis, also known as renal replacement therapy, may be required.
In addition to kidney failure, creatinine can also be elevated for the following reasons:
High levels of creatinine in the blood may cause symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, changes in urine composition or need to urinate, nausea, and muscle cramps.
Creatinine levels can be low, for example, for the following reasons:
On average, adults urinate about 200–400 milliliters at a time. This amount can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the amount of fluid consumed and the capacity of the bladder. It is normal for urination frequency and volumes to vary throughout the day.
Dialysis treatment can be performed in two ways: hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, the patient’s blood is passed through a machine that filters out waste products and excess fluid from the blood, and the cleaned blood is returned to the patient. In peritoneal dialysis, dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, where it collects waste products and excess fluid, and the fluid is changed regularly.
Adults typically urinate 1–2 liters per day. The amount of urine can vary based on fluid intake, environmental temperature, and the individual’s health condition. It is important to drink sufficient fluids throughout the day to maintain good hydration and health.
The frequency of dialysis depends on the patient’s health condition and the doctor’s recommendation. Typically, hemodialysis is performed three times a week, with each session lasting about 4 hours. Peritoneal dialysis can be done manually several times a day or mechanically overnight, where the treatment occurs daily.
The treatment of kidney failure depends on its severity and cause. Treatment may include medication, dietary changes, fluid intake regulation, and in some cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Kidney failure is typically diagnosed through blood and urine tests that measure values indicative of kidney function, such as creatinine and urea. Imaging studies may also be conducted if necessary.
Kidney function can be supported by healthy lifestyle habits, such as adequate fluid intake, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Kidney injuries can occur due to long-term high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, certain medications, or toxic substances such as heavy metals. Inflammations and autoimmune diseases can also damage the kidneys.
Symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, swelling especially in the legs and eyelids, changes in the color and amount of urine, and a general feeling of illness.
Kidney issues can manifest as back or flank pain, high blood pressure, changes in urine color, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Vital laboratory package Total Plus includes 37 values and is an even more comprehensive health check for those who seek a deeper insight into their body’s well-being and greater opportunities to make better choices to improve their health.
Vital laboratory package Total includes 29 values and is a great choice when you want to gain more thorough information about the well-being of your body.
Creatinine is measured to determine or monitor kidney function. The creatinine value increases if its excretion in the kidneys is impaired.
Vital laboratory package Basic includes 21 values that give you a wide range of information on how your body is doing. It includes blood count, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, ferritin and studies of the functioning of the thyroid gland, liver and kidneys.
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Article updated:
23 October 2024