What is Creatinine?
how well your kidneys filter
Creatinine is a breakdown product of muscle metabolism that kidneys are meant to filter out. The value rises when kidney function falls.
The value is affected by muscle mass - people with more muscle have higher creatinine without impaired kidney function. Cystatin C complements creatinine without being affected by muscle.
Test facts
- Unit
- µmol/L
- Sample
- Serum
- Fasting
- No fasting needed
- Turnaround
- 1 day
What does low Creatinine mean?
Low creatinine usually reflects low muscle mass.
What does high Creatinine mean?
High creatinine reflects reduced kidney function or high muscle mass. eGFR is used to interpret it.
Panels that measure Creatinine
- Essentials
- Deep Baseline
- Female Annual
- Male Annual
- Kidney Check
More markers in the same area
Launching in Stockholm in 2026.
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This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: May 2026.