[Creatinine: past and present].

Serum creatinine is certainly one of the most prescribed biological parameters. In this review article, we remind some historical data regarding creatinine. Different methodologies to measure creatinine in blood and urine are deeply described. We also discuss the physiological reason for its use as a glomerular filtration rate marker. However, analytical and physiological limitations are described and discussed. Creatinine clearance usefulness is finally largely discussed.