Lab report
Creatinine (kidney): normal range and what your result means
Also called creatinine, serum creatinine, kidney test, kft, rft
What this test measures
Creatinine is a waste product that healthy kidneys remove. A high level can mean the kidneys are not filtering well.
Creatinine (kidney) ranges for adults
Women
| Result (mg/dL) | What it means |
|---|---|
| under 0.5 | LowA low creatinine is usually not a concern; it is common with low muscle mass. |
| 0.5 to 1.1 | NormalYour creatinine is in the normal range. |
| 1.2 to 1.9 | HighYour creatinine is higher than normal. Please see a doctor to check your kidney function. |
| 2 to 3.9 | Very highYour creatinine is well above normal. Please see a doctor soon. |
| 4 and above | Dangerously highThis is a very high creatinine. Please see a doctor today; go to a hospital if you pass very little urine or feel breathless. |
Men
| Result (mg/dL) | What it means |
|---|---|
| under 0.7 | LowA low creatinine is usually not a concern; it is common with low muscle mass. |
| 0.7 to 1.3 | NormalYour creatinine is in the normal range. |
| 1.4 to 1.9 | HighYour creatinine is higher than normal. Please see a doctor to check your kidney function. |
| 2 to 3.9 | Very highYour creatinine is well above normal. Please see a doctor soon. |
| 4 and above | Dangerously highThis is a very high creatinine. Please see a doctor today; go to a hospital if you pass very little urine or feel breathless. |
Labs use slightly different ranges. Always compare with the range printed on your own report.
What helps
- Drink enough water unless a doctor has told you to limit it.
- Avoid regular painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac without advice.
- Keep sugar and blood pressure under control.
Talk to a doctor if
- Your creatinine is above the normal range
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure (check kidneys every year)
- Swelling of feet or face, or foamy urine
The right doctor for this
Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist)
Show your report to a doctor online and get a clear plan. If you are not sure who to see, a general physician is always a safe place to start.