Accessibility links
|
|
Creatinine
(a.k.a Cre, Creat)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: CE
Tube type: SST
Special instructions
None
Time limit for add on
3 days post collection
Reference Range
Male: 64 - 104
Female: 49 - 90
Please note these ranges only apply age 17 and above. For age related reference ranges please refer to report or contact lab.
Units
µmol/L
Linked to
C&E's
Turnaround Time
1
day
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
eGFR is calculated automatically from age, sex and serum creatinine, using laboratory-specific parameters.
Limitations:
1. Venipuncture immediately after/during administration of Metamizole (Dipyrone) may lead to a falsely low creatinine result.
2. N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI, a metabolite of paracetamol) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a treatment for paracetamol overdose) may lead to a falsely low creatinine result.
3. On rare occasions, IgM paraproteins may interfere with creatinine results.
4. Interference <7% or 9.9µmol/L up to 40mg/dL (684 µmol/L) bilirubin.
Serum creatinine is used as part of the CKD-EPI equation to give an estimate of GFR (eGFR) in adults. Please be aware that other factors can influence creatinine concentrations in addition to kidney function. These include:
1. Extremes of muscle mass, e.g. bodybuilders, muscle wasting disorders, amputation (increased muscle mass will cause underestimation of eGFR; reduced muscle mass will cause overestimation of eGFR)
2. Significant consumption of meat. This is best avoided in the 12 hours prior to collection of samples for creatinine/eGFR.
3. Consumption of creatine supplements.
Webpage updated: February 2026.
