Is a urine creatinine level of 13 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) over 6, indicating impaired renal function, within the normal range?

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Last updated: April 9, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

A urine creatinine value of 13/6 is not a standard way to report this laboratory measurement, making it difficult to determine if it's normal. Urine creatinine is typically reported in mg/dL or mmol/L, not as a ratio like 13/6. Normal urine creatinine values generally range from 40 to 300 mg/dL (3.5 to 26.5 mmol/L) for adults, though this can vary based on muscle mass, hydration status, and kidney function 1. The value might represent a creatinine clearance or a urine creatinine-to-something ratio (like urine creatinine-to-albumin ratio), but without proper units or context, it's impossible to interpret accurately. Some key points to consider when evaluating kidney function include:

  • The presence of kidney damage, such as proteinuria or structural changes on biopsy 1
  • The level of kidney function, as measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 1
  • The use of equations, such as the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, to estimate GFR 1 If this is from your lab results, I recommend consulting with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation, as they can explain what the numbers mean in the context of your specific health situation and the particular test that was performed. They can also help determine the best course of action for managing any potential kidney issues, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or further testing 1. It's also important to note that kidney function can be affected by a variety of factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and certain medications, so a comprehensive evaluation of your overall health is necessary to determine the best approach for managing your kidney health 1.

From the Research

Urine Creatinine Levels

  • The provided studies do not directly address the normal range for urine creatinine levels of 13/6.
  • However, the studies discuss the importance of serum and urinary markers in assessing kidney function and disease progression 2, 3.
  • Serum creatinine is a commonly used marker for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and assessing kidney function 2.
  • Urinary biomarkers, such as β-trace protein, can also be used to predict GFR impairment and kidney disease progression 2.
  • The studies suggest that a combination of serum and urinary biomarkers can provide a more comprehensive understanding of kidney function and disease status 2, 3.
  • However, without specific reference to urine creatinine levels, it is unclear whether a level of 13/6 is considered normal or abnormal.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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