Creatinine normal range: what your kidney test result means
Creatinine is a waste product made when your muscles do their normal work. Healthy kidneys filter it out of the blood and pass it in urine. If the kidneys are not filtering well, creatinine builds up and its level in the blood goes up. That is why serum creatinine is one of the main tests to check kidney function. It is commonly done in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, swelling of the feet or changes in urine, and as part of routine health check-ups.
eGFR (calculated)Read with age; your doctor will explain
90 or more mL/min/1.73m²
Ranges differ a little from lab to lab.
What does my result mean?
Creatinine 1.2
Within the usual range for men and just above it for many women. Your doctor will read it with your age, muscle mass and eGFR.
Creatinine 1.5
Above the usual adult range. It may point to reduced kidney filtering, dehydration or other reasons, so show the report to a doctor.
Creatinine 2.0
Clearly raised. Please see a doctor soon, who will check your kidneys further and may repeat the test.
What this test checks
The test measures creatinine in the blood in mg/dL. Many labs also use it to calculate eGFR, an estimate of how well the kidneys filter. Muscle mass, age and sex affect the value, so men usually have slightly higher levels. People with diabetes or high blood pressure are often advised to check it at least once a year, or as their doctor suggests.
Common reasons for a high value
Reduced kidney function
Dehydration or very low water intake
Long-standing diabetes or high blood pressure
Some medicines, including some painkillers
High muscle mass or very heavy exercise
Large meat meal shortly before the test
Common reasons for a low value
Low muscle mass, as in older age
Pregnancy
Poor nutrition
How to prepare
Fasting is usually not required. Drink water as usual and avoid very heavy exercise and a large meat meal just before the test. Follow any fasting advice if your package also includes sugar or lipid tests.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your creatinine is above the range, or if you have swelling of the feet or face, foamy urine or a change in how much urine you pass. Passing very little or no urine, or sudden breathlessness, needs urgent hospital care.
For many men, about 1.3 mg/dL is the upper limit of normal. For women it is usually above the range. Your doctor will look at your age, muscle mass and eGFR.
Can creatinine go up due to dehydration?
Yes. Not drinking enough water, vomiting or loose motions can raise creatinine for a while. It often settles once you are well hydrated, so doctors may repeat the test.
What is eGFR on my report?
eGFR is an estimate of how well your kidneys filter, worked out from creatinine, age and sex. A lower eGFR means less filtering. Your doctor will explain what your value means.
Is fasting needed for a creatinine test?
No, fasting is usually not required for creatinine. The sample can be collected at your home, and the report comes on WhatsApp and email. Your doctor can then explain the result.
This page is general information, not medical advice. The normal range printed on your own report is the one that applies, and only a doctor can tell what your result means for you.
The Serum Urea-Creatinine Ratio test measures the levels of urea and creatinine compares their ratio. This test checks how well the kidneys are working and can also give clues about problems like dehydration, kidney disease, or other conditions affecting kidney function. No fasting needed.
The Serum BUN-Creatinine Ratio test measures the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine to evaluate kidney function and overall metabolic health. By comparing these two values, the test helps determine whether kidney problems, dehydration, or other conditions affecting protein metabolism or kidney function may be present. No fasting needed.
