Creatinine Clearance (from 24-hour urine collection)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products, specifically creatinine, over a full day. It helps assess kidney function and blood flow to the kidneys.
["This test evaluates kidney function by tracking how efficiently your kidneys remove waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95039-4
- Short code
- EMSCATH
- Synonyms
- Cath placed dur EMS trans
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Not applicable - clinical observation data
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- EMS clinical documentation and observation
- SNOMED
- 133841000221106
- Specimen volume
- Not applicable
- Stability
- Not applicable
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Measuring creatinine clearance is crucial for diagnosing and managing kidney disease, monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and ensuring proper dosing of medications that affect kidney function.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. Drink plenty of water but avoid excessive fluids right before collection. Your doctor or lab technician will guide you through the process.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is analyzed to determine the amount of creatinine excreted. Blood may also be tested for creatinine levels to calculate clearance. This test helps determine how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your bloodstream.
Common Causes for Testing
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of kidney problems (like fatigue, swelling, or frequent urination), if you have a chronic condition affecting kidneys, or if you’re taking medications that require kidney function monitoring.
Reference range
Reportable types include: intravenous (IV), intraosseous (IO), endotracheal, urinary/Foley, nasogastric (NG), oropharyngeal, and none (no catheter placed)N/A
No patient preparation required. This test documents clinical information gathered during EMS transport
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Urine Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
What does a low creatinine clearance mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink normally before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy