What is considered a high blood creatinine level?
- Blood creatinine > 120 mcmol/L is above normal and a concern – and may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Blood creatinine > 150 mcmol/L is a problem – and is CKD (or AKI)
- Blood creatinine >300 mcmol is a major concern – and requires prompt action
- Blood creatinine >500 mcmol/L is life-threatening kidney failure – and dialysis is (usually) required.
What is creatinine – and what is it used for?
It is a blood test/number that reflects kidney function; the lower the creatinine GFR, the better the kidney function, the better.
The creatinine is used to:
- Diagnose CKD (and AKI)
- Monitor – changes in kidney function over time
- Decide – whether you need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What is a normal creatinine level?
A normal creatinine level is 60-120 mcmol/L (in adults).
How does creatinine relate to GFR?
The GFR is derived from the creatinine (by the computer putting it into a mathematical equation) – but, unlike creatinine, for GFR the higher the number, the better is the kidney function.
CKD/GFR classification
Blood creatinine levels at stages of GFR/CKD
- Stage 1 CKD. Creatinine = 60-120 mcmol/L, i.e. kidney damage with normal kidney function.
- Stage 2. Creatinine = 60-120
- Stage 3A. Creatinine = 120-150
- Stage 3B. Creatinine 150-200
- Stage 4. Creatinine >200
- Stage 5. Creatinine > 400.
Note 1. The values are approximate, e.g. someone may have a creatinine of 151 and be in Stage 3A
Note 2. But, the big but. These number ranges (and what we have said is a ‘normal’ creatinine/GFR’) are so neat, they are clearly made up (wrong) – as are all the CKD stages. But it is the simple table that doctors and nurses use to guide investigation and treatment.
Other resources
Here is more information on the problems with creatinine/GFR on our sister CKD Explained website.
