What Creatinine tells you
Markers related to kidney filtration and waste clearance. Clinicians use them to consider kidney function over time, alongside other information.
Which Honed panels include Creatinine
Creatinine is measured in the Essential Panel and Performance Panel. Every sample is collected at a pathology collection centre and processed at a NATA-accredited laboratory against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure online report.
Why Creatinine matters
Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine phosphate in muscle metabolism, filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Serum creatinine is used clinically as a marker of kidney filtration capacity. Because creatinine production is related to muscle mass, creatinine levels can be higher in muscular individuals (athletes) compared to sedentary controls at the same kidney function. Creatinine must be interpreted in context of muscle mass and through eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) for a more complete picture of kidney function.
The range explained
Low levels
Low creatinine (below 60 µmol/L in men, below 50 µmol/L in women) is generally not significant and may reflect low muscle mass.
Normal range
Reference range: 60–120 µmol/L in men, 50–100 µmol/L in women. However, higher creatinine in muscular athletes may still represent normal kidney function.
High levels
Elevated creatinine (above 120 µmol/L in men, above 100 µmol/L in women) may indicate reduced kidney filtration, though in very muscular athletes, elevated creatinine can reflect high muscle mass. eGFR interpretation is more accurate.
What affects Creatinine
- Training: Intense training increases muscle mass and creatine turnover, elevating creatinine. Creatinine elevates with muscle building.
- Nutrition: Adequate protein intake supports muscle mass and creatinine production. Hydration status affects creatinine concentration.
- Sleep: Sleep supports muscle recovery.
- Stress: Chronic stress can affect muscle mass and kidney function.
When to retest
Every 12 months for general health; interpret alongside eGFR and muscle mass.
Why athletes care
Athletes expect higher creatinine due to greater muscle mass; eGFR provides a more accurate picture of actual kidney function.
Related kidney markers
FAQ
What does the Creatinine blood test measure?
A waste product of muscle metabolism cleared by the kidneys. Levels can be affected by muscle mass and are interpreted in context by a clinician.
Which Honed Health panels include Creatinine?
Creatinine is included in the Essential and Performance panels.
What unit is Creatinine measured in?
Creatinine is reported in µmol/L, measured at NATA-accredited laboratories against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure report.