Serum Creatinine
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- mg/dL
Serum Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism excreted primarily by the kidneys. When measured as part of a 24-Hour Urine Creatinine Clearance test, the serum level is paired with the urine level to calculate the volume of blood cleared of creatinine per unit of time. This provides a direct clinical measurement of the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which is more precise than estimation formulas in certain clinical scenarios.
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Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
Recent meat consumption, intense physical exercise, or medications like cimetidine and trimethoprim can elevate creatinine without a decrease in actual GFR. Conversely, low muscle mass can mask significant kidney disease by keeping creatinine levels within 'normal' limits.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Serum Creatinine:
Official Sources
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Serum Creatinine Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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