Clinicians order creatinine to screen and monitor kidney function, often alongside eGFR and urine tests. It helps guide medicine dosing and decisions before imaging with contrast. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney risk benefit from regular checks. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.

Clinicians order creatinine to screen and monitor kidney function, often alongside eGFR and urine tests. It helps guide medicine dosing and decisions before imaging with contrast. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney risk benefit from regular checks. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.

High: May suggest reduced kidney filtering, dehydration, urinary blockage, or medication effects. Hard exercise or a large meat meal can raise it briefly.
Low: Often reflects lower muscle mass or pregnancy; usually not a concern by itself. Looking at trends with eGFR and urine results gives the clearest picture. If unexpectedly high, hydrate normally and ask about repeating the test and checking urine albumin.

• eGFR (Creatinine)
• Cystatin C
• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)
• Urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Potassium
• Urinalysis

Common factors that can skew results include dehydration, large meat meals, creatine supplements, strenuous exercise, and timing of the draw. Some medicines (certain antibiotics, heartburn drugs, and blood pressure medicines) can raise creatinine without harming the kidneys. Acute illness, infection, or pregnancy can change levels. Body size and muscle mass also influence results.

Special situations include very low or high muscle mass, amputation, pregnancy, or rapidly changing kidney function—consider repeat testing, eGFR (possibly with cystatin C), or other checks with your clinician.