Source of Creatinine

Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle contraction. It should be confused with creatine, which supplies energy to muscles.

Creatinine Levels

The normal range for creatinine levels in men is 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl); the range for women is 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dl. Creatinine levels higher than 2.0 mg/dl for babies and 10.0 mg/dl for adults are considered severe and may warrant kidney dialysis.

Types of Tests

Although physicians commonly test creatinine levels during routine blood tests, abnormal results may warrant further testing. A creatinine clearance level test (Ccr or CrCl) specifically measures the amount of creatinine cleared by the kidneys, revealing potential disease.

Significance

An abnormally high creatinine level may indicate problems with kidney function, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD occurs when, over time, the kidneys lose their ability to filter wastes from the body.

Considerations

High creatinine levels are not always an indication of CKD. It may result from performing extensive weight training, consuming large quantities of meat or taking certain medications.

Other Possible Causes

Other possible causes include muscular dystrophy, eclampsia, preeclampsia, reduced blood flow to the kidneys and urinary tract obstruction.

Source:

About Creatinine

National Institutes of Health on Creatinine