A creatinine test is a blood or urine test used mainly to assess kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle metabolism and is normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.
1. Blood creatinine test
A blood sample measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. The result is often used to calculate eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which gives a better overall indication of kidney filtration.
2. Typical reference range
Ranges vary between laboratories, but adult blood creatinine is often approximately:
Men: 0.7–1.3 mg/dL
Women: 0.5–1.1 mg/dL
Your laboratory's reference range should be used when interpreting your result.
3. What can cause high creatinine?
An elevated result can occur with:
Reduced kidney function
Dehydration
Certain medications
Recent intense exercise
High muscle mass
A high intake of cooked meat shortly before testing
A single elevated result does not necessarily mean kidney disease; doctors generally interpret it together with eGFR, previous results, urine tests, medications, and other clinical information.
4. What about low creatinine?
Low creatinine can occur with relatively low muscle mass, older age, poor nutritional status, or certain other conditions. It is usually less concerning than an elevated result.
5. Do you need fasting?
Usually, no fasting is required for a creatinine blood test alone. However, if your doctor ordered it as part of a larger group of blood tests, you may need to follow the preparation instructions for those tests.
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