Creatinine is a blood measurement influenced by muscle, hydration, diet, exercise and some medicines. eGFR is an estimate of kidney filtration calculated from creatinine and other information. On UK reports, creatinine is commonly shown in µmol/L and eGFR in mL/min/1.73m².
The safest way to read these results is as a pattern: value, unit, laboratory interval, previous results, urine findings and the reason the test was ordered. A single flagged result is not enough to diagnose chronic kidney disease or to tell you what treatment you need.
Key kidney results and context
| Creatinine | Use the printed µmol/L value and interval | A higher value can reflect reduced filtration, but context and trend matter |
|---|---|---|
| eGFR 90 or above | Usually higher estimated filtration | Other signs of kidney damage can still matter |
| eGFR 60–89 | Mildly lower estimate | Not automatically kidney disease; persistence and other findings matter |
| eGFR below 60 | Needs clinician-led interpretation | Persistence for at least three months or other kidney damage changes the meaning |
| Urine ACR | Use the printed result and interval | Urine albumin can add important information alongside eGFR |
These bands are orientation, not a diagnosis. Use the interval and units on your report and do not treat eGFR as a percentage of kidney function.
Read creatinine and eGFR together
Creatinine can be higher in someone with more muscle and lower in someone with less muscle, so the same number can mean different things for different people. A change from a person's usual result may matter more than a comparison with a generic internet range.
Because eGFR is calculated from creatinine, temporary changes in hydration, acute illness, recent exercise or medicines can affect the estimate. A clinician may compare repeated results under similar conditions rather than acting on one value.
Why persistence and urine findings matter
Chronic kidney disease is not established from one low eGFR alone. Clinicians look for persistence over time or other evidence of kidney damage, such as urine albumin, together with blood pressure, medical history and the reason for testing.
A report can therefore need follow-up even when a single number looks close to a reference boundary, while another isolated result may be less concerning when the wider pattern is stable. The appropriate next step is clinician-led interpretation, not self-treatment.
Questions to take to an appointment
Ask how the result compares with your previous tests, whether urine ACR or another result changes the interpretation, whether an acute illness or medicine could have affected it, and what follow-up is appropriate. Bring the full report with units and intervals.
When to contact your healthcare team
- If the report says critical, urgent or asks you to contact the service, follow that instruction promptly.
- Seek appropriate urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms such as markedly reduced urination, severe breathlessness, confusion, collapse or rapidly worsening swelling.
- A low eGFR that persists, a falling trend, or an abnormal urine ACR deserves clinician-led review; do not diagnose from one result.
- Mention pregnancy, acute illness, major changes in muscle mass, recent strenuous exercise, supplements and medicines when discussing the result.
Common questions
Is an eGFR below 60 automatically kidney disease?
Not from one result alone. Persistence over time and other signs of kidney damage matter. A clinician should interpret the result with previous tests, urine findings and the wider clinical context.
Why is creatinine high but eGFR still reported?
eGFR is an estimate calculated partly from creatinine, so both can appear on the same report. The estimate helps clinicians interpret the measured result alongside age, sex and other context.
Can dehydration change creatinine or eGFR?
Hydration and acute illness can influence kidney blood results. Tell the ordering clinician about the circumstances rather than trying to correct the number yourself or changing medication.
Related guides
Have the full report?
Have the full report? Upload it for a plain-language walkthrough and questions to take to your clinician.
Lafia organises the values, units and reference intervals shown on your report. Educational only; not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AI-generated interpretations are not reviewed by a physician or human clinician and do not replace a clinician, laboratory, or original report. Do not use this content for emergencies; consult a qualified healthcare professional. Do not post personal laboratory results publicly.
Upload your reportUpload only a report you are authorised to share. Redact unnecessary identifiers where possible. Read our Privacy Policy and Data Use information before uploading.
Medical disclaimer: Educational only; not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AI-generated interpretations are not reviewed by a physician or human clinician. Do not use this content for emergencies; consult a qualified healthcare professional. Do not post personal laboratory results publicly. Reference intervals vary between laboratories—use the value, unit, date and range printed on your own report, and consult a qualified healthcare professional about your results and symptoms.