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.
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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:
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Article updated:
19 February 2024
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