What creatinine value was reported for the patient on anticoagulation?

• A. 140 mmol/L
• B. 120 μmol/L
• C. 120 mg/dL
• D. 120 mmol/L

Answer: (D)

Creatinine values must be read with their units, because the unit determines how large the number is. In clinical practice, serum creatinine is reported in micromoles per liter (μmol/L) or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A normal adult range is roughly 60–110 μmol/L (about 0.7–1.2 mg/dL). So a value around 120 μmol/L is plausible and can reflect normal variation or a mild change in renal function, depending on factors like muscle mass and hydration.

Among the options, the representation that aligns with standard practice and a plausible magnitude is 120 μmol/L. Units like mmol/L aren’t used for serum creatinine in routine reporting, and an option like 120 mg/dL would indicate a far more extreme abnormality than typically seen. If a lab result appears with a nonstandard unit, always verify the unit and convert if needed to interpret the value correctly. When a patient is on anticoagulation, accurate renal function assessment remains important for appropriate dosing and monitoring.