Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Low Creatinine: What Does It Mean?

Low creatinine may be associated with low muscle mass, older age or inadequate nutrition.

Test summary

Test name: Creatinine
Abbreviations: CREA, Cr
Category: Nephrology / Kidney Function
Panel: Renal Function / Basic Metabolic Panel
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: mg/dL, µmol/L

What does the test measure?

Measures blood creatinine, a muscle-metabolism waste product filtered by the kidneys.

Why is the test ordered?

Used to assess kidney function and commonly serves as a key input for calculating eGFR.

Information about a low result

Low creatinine may be associated with low muscle mass, older age or inadequate nutrition.

Information about a high result

High creatinine can occur when kidney filtration decreases, but dehydration, muscle injury, intense exercise and muscle mass can also affect the result.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit and specimen conditions. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 0.6 – <= 1.3 mg/dL

Population: Adults
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example adult Creatinine reference interval

The source presents these values as a common example reference interval. Laboratory method, age and clinical context can change the range; the user's own report takes priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Creatinine alone does not fully describe kidney function. eGFR and urine albumin/UACR provide important complementary information.

Related specialties

Nephrology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Example adult intervals for ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, bilirubin, total protein, BUN, creatinine and electrolytes · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Creatinine Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Creatinine limitations and use with eGFR, BUN and urine testing · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
BUN - Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · BUN meaning, kidney/liver/hydration context and example interval · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Uric Acid Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Uric acid interpretation, sex-specific example intervals and gout treatment targets · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Sodium Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Sodium interpretation with fluid balance and other electrolytes · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Potassium Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Potassium interpretation, kidney and medication context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Blood — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Serum total CO2/bicarbonate and acid-base context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Chronic Kidney Disease Tests & Diagnosis — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
U.S. government medical reference · 2026 · eGFR and urine albumin/UACR as key kidney tests; broad interpretation thresholds · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Estimated GFR Calculators / Laboratory Evaluation — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
U.S. government medical reference · 2026 · Creatinine-based eGFR, race-free CKD-EPI recommendation and limitations · Verified: Aug 12, 2026