Creatinine blood test
A waste product of muscle energy use, cleared by the kidneys.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 0.7–1.3 mg/dL
- Panel
- Kidney Function
- Also called
- Serum creatinine
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
A kidney marker, but muscular people and anyone taking creatine run higher, so it is read with eGFR and sometimes cystatin C.
What can raise it
- More muscle mass
- Creatine supplements
- Dehydration or a large meat meal before the test
- Reduced kidney function
What can lower it
- Low muscle mass
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Skip hard training for 48 hours before: muscle damage and creatine can push this up.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Compounds that affect Creatinine
Monitored with these, based on their known properties:
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
- NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)
- Trenbolone Acetate
- Trenbolone Enanthate
- Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
- Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone)
- Superdrol (Methasterone)
- DHB (1-Testosterone / Dihydroboldenone)
- Parabolan (Trenbolone Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate)
- Methyltrienolone (Oral Tren / Metribolone)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Other kidney function tests
Questions
What is a normal Creatinine level?
A typical adult male reference range is 0.7–1.3 mg/dL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high Creatinine mean?
Common reasons include more muscle mass, creatine supplements, dehydration or a large meat meal before the test and reduced kidney function. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low Creatinine mean?
Common reasons include low muscle mass.