Creatinine Levels: What Does a Positive Result Mean?

Is creatinine normal?

A normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and a positive result for creatinine indicate that the creatinine level is elevated.
This suggests that there may be an issue with kidney function, as elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired renal function.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and interpretation of these results.
Thank you.

ss, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/11

Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine

Dear Correspondent,
Creatinine is one of the commonly used indicators of kidney function, primarily related to body muscle mass (lean body mass).
Due to variations in testing methods among different laboratories, reference values may differ.
For example, our hospital's standard range may fall between 0.5 to 1.3 mg/dL.
Elevated creatinine levels may indicate abnormal kidney function.
Laboratory tests should provide numerical results rather than just positive or negative judgments.

If your report indicates a creatinine level that is elevated, exceeding certain standard values (such as > 1.4 or 1.5 mg/dL), it is advisable for patients with high creatinine levels to schedule an appointment with a nephrologist for follow-up.
Please bring your previous test results for the physician to review, and consider additional tests such as renal ultrasound or urinalysis to confirm whether there is indeed an abnormality in kidney function and to initiate early treatment.
Thank you for your correspondence, and I wish you health and safety.

Reply Date: 2016/06/11

More Info

Understanding creatinine levels is crucial for assessing kidney function and overall health. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism and is usually filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Therefore, measuring creatinine levels can provide insights into how well the kidneys are functioning.

When you receive a blood test result indicating that your creatinine level is "positive," it typically means that the level is elevated compared to the normal range. However, the interpretation of this result depends on several factors, including the specific reference range used by the laboratory, your age, sex, muscle mass, and overall health.

Normal creatinine levels generally range from about 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults, but this can vary slightly depending on the laboratory. If your creatinine level is above this range, it may indicate that your kidneys are not filtering waste effectively, which could be a sign of kidney dysfunction or damage. Elevated creatinine levels can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, high protein intake, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

In your case, you mentioned that your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is normal while your creatinine is reported as positive. This could suggest that while your kidneys are still functioning adequately in terms of urea clearance, there may be an issue with creatinine clearance. BUN and creatinine are often evaluated together to provide a more comprehensive picture of kidney function. A normal BUN level with an elevated creatinine level may indicate a specific type of kidney issue, such as acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.

It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to interpret these results accurately. They may recommend additional tests, such as a urinalysis, imaging studies, or even a kidney function test, to determine the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine level. They will also consider your medical history, symptoms, and any medications you are taking, as these factors can influence kidney function.

In summary, a positive creatinine result typically indicates elevated levels, which may suggest impaired kidney function. However, it is vital to interpret this result in the context of other tests and clinical findings. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and personalized advice based on your specific health situation. They can guide you on the next steps, whether that involves lifestyle changes, further testing, or potential treatment options.

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