Serum creatinine normal range and what high creatinine means
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. S. Santosh Varma, MBBS, FIM, FIDM, FICCM · Reg. APMC/FMR 112686 · Updated the day of publishing
Serum creatinine is a waste product filtered by the kidneys, so it is a simple check of kidney function. Commonly used adult ranges are about 0.7–1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6–1.1 mg/dL for women. A high value can mean the kidneys are filtering less well; doctors use it to calculate eGFR, a better estimate of kidney function.
Normal range
| Group | Commonly used range |
|---|---|
| Adult men | about 0.7–1.3 mg/dL |
| Adult women | about 0.6–1.1 mg/dL |
Creatinine depends on muscle mass, so it is naturally higher in muscular people and lower in older adults. Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, by age and by sex; always read the range printed on your own report and ask a doctor to interpret it.
eGFR: the kidney score
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | Usual meaning |
|---|---|
| 90 or above | Normal (with no other kidney findings) |
| 60–89 | Mildly reduced |
| Below 60 for 3 months or more | Chronic kidney disease (doctor confirms) |
Things that can raise creatinine
- Dehydration
- Heavy exercise or a high-meat meal before the test
- Some medicines, including some painkillers
- Diabetes and high blood pressure over many years
Is it included in YIRA's checkup?
Yes. Serum creatinine is part of the 70-test checkup in every YIRA Family Health Plan, with home sample collection and a doctor consultation to go through your report.
A YIRA Family Health Plan includes a 70-test full body checkup at home for one registered member, a doctor consultation for the family, a review of an elder's past reports, and dental and eye check-ups. Essential ₹999 a year (up to 4 family members registered); Complete ₹1,299 a year (up to 8, with ₹5 lakh accident cover for the buyer).
See the full kidney function test guide.
70-test checkup at home plus family care, from ₹999 a year
Essential ₹999 (one 70-test checkup, up to 4 family members registered) · Complete ₹1,299 (up to 8, with ₹5 lakh accident cover). Doctor consultation, dental and eye check-ups included. Pay after sample collection.
Frequently asked questions
What creatinine level is dangerous?
It depends on age, sex and the previous value. Any rising creatinine should be reviewed by a doctor, who will also check eGFR and urine.
Does a creatinine test need fasting?
Usually not. Avoid heavy exercise and a large meat meal just before the test.
Can drinking water lower creatinine?
Correcting dehydration can bring a falsely high value back to normal, but it does not treat kidney disease.
Related
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. S. Santosh Varma (MBBS, FIM, FIDM, FICCM; APMC/FMR 112686). Prepared by the YIRA health team · Last updated 1 October 2026. This page is general health information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between labs; always discuss your results with a doctor. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.