Interpret Your Creatinine Results
Enter your Creatinine value below and get an instant, free AI interpretation — a plain-English explanation checked against WHO/IFCC reference ranges.
Medical Disclaimer
This AI-generated interpretation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual health factors not captured here.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Read full disclaimer →
Creatinine Normal Ranges
Creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle metabolism, produced at a steady rate and excreted almost entirely by the kidneys.
| Age Group | Sex | Reference Range | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18–64) | Male | 0.7 – 1.3 | mg/dL | — |
| Adults (18–64) | Female | 0.5 – 1.1 | mg/dL | — |
Also reported in: µmol/L.Conversion factor: 1 µmol/L = 88.496 mg/dL.
Critical (Panic) Values
Critical High: > 10 mg/dL. Values outside these limits require immediate clinical attention.
Why Doctors Order the Creatinine Test
Creatinine is the most widely used test to detect and monitor kidney disease. A doubling of creatinine represents approximately a 50% loss of kidney function.
How to Enter Your Creatinine Result
Creatinine can be reported in mg/dL or µmol/L. Choose the unit printed next to your result on the lab report so it is compared with the matching reference range.
Reference ranges for Creatinine differ between men and women, so entering your sex gives a more accurate reading.
What a Low or High Creatinine Can Be Associated With
Below the reference range
- Low muscle mass (elderly, malnutrition, muscle-wasting diseases)
- Pregnancy (increased GFR and plasma volume dilute creatinine)
- Liver disease (reduced creatine synthesis)
Above the reference range
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): dehydration, sepsis, medications (NSAIDs, contrast dye)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown releasing creatinine and myoglobin)
- Urinary tract obstruction
- High dietary meat intake (transient mild rise)
This interpreter flags a result at or above 10 mg/dL as a critical value. Results that extreme are uncommon — contact your doctor promptly, and seek urgent medical care if you feel unwell.
These are common associations, not a diagnosis. A single result is read alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — discuss it with your doctor.
What Can Change Your Creatinine Result
Before you read too much into a result, consider whether any of these applied:
- High meat intake (raises creatinine transiently)
- Creatine supplements (significantly raise creatinine)
- Cimetidine and trimethoprim (block tubular secretion of creatinine, raising measured level without true GFR change)
- Low muscle mass (gives falsely low creatinine, masking kidney disease)
Preparing for the test: Avoid heavy meat consumption the day before testing, as this can transiently raise creatinine. Avoid creatine supplements for at least 24 hours.
Symptoms That Often Prompt Creatinine Testing
- Swelling (edema)
- Reduced or no urination
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion (in uremia)
Want the full clinical guide to Creatinine?
Reference ranges, causes, symptoms, preparation, and FAQs.