Test Summary
Collection method
In person at the lab; at-home where available
Why test
Creatinine
?
- Checks how well your kidneys filter waste.
- Helps estimate eGFR to stage kidney health.
- Monitors chronic kidney disease or sudden changes.
- Helps with medication dosing decisions.
What is
Creatinine
?
- Checks how well your kidneys filter waste.
- Helps estimate eGFR to stage kidney health.
- Monitors chronic kidney disease or sudden changes.
- Helps with medication dosing decisions.
What insights will i get from
Creatinine
?
- High: may suggest reduced kidney function or dehydration.
- High: can rise with urinary blockage or some medicines.
- High: may increase after heavy exercise or large meat meals.
- Low: often from low muscle mass or pregnancy; usually not concerning.
- Trends matter: rising results over time need attention.
Sample type & collection
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No
- Best timing: Any time; keep usual hydration
- Collection: Venipuncture at the lab
- Typical volume: 1 mL
- Analysis: Serum enzymatic assay; eGFR calculation
- Prep tips: Avoid hard exercise and large meat meals the day before
- Turnaround: 1–2 business days
Creatinine
is best interpreted with:
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Limits & interferences with
Creatinine
:
- Hydration changes can shift results; dehydration may raise levels.
- Recent intense exercise can temporarily raise creatinine.
- Large cooked meat meals or creatine supplements can raise levels.
- Muscle mass differences affect baseline levels.
- Special situations (when to confirm or adjust): Pregnancy, low muscle mass, amputation; consider cystatin C.
Questions about
Creatinine
:
- Do I need to fast? No. Eat and drink as usual unless your doctor says otherwise.
- What is a normal result? Ranges vary by lab, age, sex, and muscle mass. Trends and eGFR give better context.
- Can supplements affect results? Yes. Creatine and large meat meals can raise levels temporarily.
- How often should I test? If you have kidney risks, follow your clinician’s plan. Otherwise, during routine checkups.
Sources:
- KDIGO — Clinical Practice Guideline for CKD Evaluation and Management. (2024). https://kdigo.org/guidelines/ckd-evaluation-and-management/
- MedlinePlus — Creatinine test. (2024). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/creatinine-test/
- National Kidney Foundation — Creatinine. (2024). https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/creatinine
- NIDDK — Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). (2023). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/eGFR
- ARUP Consult — Renal Function. (2023). https://arupconsult.com/content/renal-function
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional.
