Does high creatinine always mean kidney failure?
No. Many factors can raise creatinine temporarily. Persistent elevation with a low GFR is more concerning.
Diagnostics
Creatinine levels explained
What creatinine blood tests mean, normal ranges in India, and when to worry.
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Short Answer
Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism filtered by the kidneys; elevated levels may indicate reduced kidney function.
Medical Facts
- Normal serum creatinine ranges roughly from 0.7-1.2 mg/dL in men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL in women, though labs may vary.
- A single elevated reading does not confirm kidney disease; trends over time and GFR calculation are more informative.
- Dehydration, high protein diet, and intense exercise can temporarily raise creatinine without kidney damage.
Treatment or Donation Options
- Get a GFR calculation alongside creatinine for a more accurate picture of kidney function.
- Repeat the test after adequate hydration if the first reading was borderline.
- Consult a nephrologist if creatinine is persistently elevated.
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