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Creatinine Clearance (Calculated from Serum Creatinine and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood, using a calculation based on your creatinine levels and other factors.

Quick summary

["Assesses kidney function by estimating how efficiently your kidneys remove waste products over time."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
80528-3
Short code
CATHANGP
Synonyms
Cath+angio preop Pnl
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) - yellow-top tube preferred; red-top tube acceptable
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Multiple methodologies including immunoassay, enzymatic, and spectrophotometric assays for comprehensive preoperative chemistry assessment
CPT
80053
SNOMED
252275004
Specimen volume
5-10 mL of whole blood to yield adequate serum for full panel testing
Stability
Serum stable for 8 hours at room temperature (20-25°C); 48 hours refrigerated at 2-8°C; 1 month frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
20
TAT
2–8 hours
Order
routine

What Is Creatinine Clearance Used For?

Creatinine clearance helps doctors evaluate kidney health by determining how well your kidneys filter blood. It’s often used to monitor chronic kidney disease, kidney function before surgery, or after certain treatments that may affect kidney function.

How Is This Test Performed?

To calculate creatinine clearance, your healthcare provider will typically measure your serum creatinine level (a blood test) and estimate your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on factors like age, sex, and body size. Sometimes, a 24-hour urine collection may be used to directly measure urine creatinine and urine volume, but calculated clearance is more common.

Why Might You Need This Test?

You may need creatinine clearance if you have symptoms of kidney problems (like fatigue, swelling, or frequent urination), if you have a condition that could affect kidney function (like diabetes or high blood pressure), or if you’re undergoing treatment that may impact kidney health.

What Are the Benefits of This Test?

This test provides a more accurate picture of kidney function than measuring creatinine alone, helping doctors track kidney health over time and adjust treatments accordingly.

Reference range

Panel includes multiple tests with individual reference ranges; interpret each component separately based on institutional reference valuesN/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Inform clinician of all current medications including anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, metformin, and ACE inhibitors prior to specimen collection. Follow institutional preoperative testing protocols.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Creatinine clearance is a key indicator of kidney function. Low levels may suggest kidney damage or disease, while high levels could indicate dehydration or other conditions. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications and guides treatment decisions.

Short name

Creatinine Clearance

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results for serum creatinine and GFR estimation are typically available within 1–3 business days. If a 24-hour urine test is used, results may take longer, often 3–5 days.
What does a low creatinine clearance mean?
A low creatinine clearance suggests your kidneys may not be filtering blood as well as they should, which could indicate early kidney disease or damage. Further evaluation by your doctor may be needed to determine the cause.
Can diet or medications affect creatinine clearance?
Yes, certain foods (like protein-rich meals), medications (such as NSAIDs or certain diuretics), and even dehydration can temporarily affect creatinine levels. Your doctor may adjust your diet or medications if needed to get accurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy