Reference intervals for serum creatinine concentrations: assessment of available data for global application.
BACKGROUND
Reference intervals for serum creatinine remain relevant despite the current emphasis on the use of the estimated glomerular filtration rate for assessing renal function. Many studies on creatinine reference values have been published in the last 20 years. Using criteria derived from published IFCC documents, we sought to identify universally applicable reference intervals for creatinine via a systematic review of the literature.


METHODS
Studies were selected for inclusion in the systematic review only if the following criteria were met: (a) reference individuals were selected using an "a priori" selection scheme, (b) preanalytical conditions were adequately described; (c) traceability of the produced results to the isotope dilution-mass spectrometry (IDMS) reference method was demonstrated experimentally, and (d) the collected data received adequate statistical treatment.


RESULTS
Of 37 reports dealing specifically with serum creatinine reference values, only 1 report with pediatric data and 5 reports with adult data met these criteria. The primary reason for exclusion of most papers was an inadequate demonstration of measurement traceability. Based on the data of the selected studies, we have collated recommended reference intervals for white adults and children.


CONCLUSIONS
Laboratories using methods producing traceable results to IDMS can apply the selected reference intervals for serum creatinine in evaluating white individuals.
Ceriotti
Ferruccio
F
Diagnostica e Ricerca San Raffaele S.p.A. Milano, Italy. ceriotti.ferruccio@hsr.it
Boyd
James C
JC
Klein
Gerhard
G
Henny
Joseph
J
Queraltó
Josep
J
Kairisto
Veli
V
Panteghini
Mauro
M
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007201:Indicator Dilution Techniques; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012015:Reference Standards; D012016:Reference Values; D044967:Serum
D003404:Creatinine