Serum Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["A creatinine test helps check kidney function by measuring waste in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35694-9
- Short code
- CALENCIGG
- Synonyms
- CEV IgG Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) for detection of IgG antibodies
- CPT
- 86651
- SNOMED
- 39508007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to monitor kidney health, especially if you have symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine output. It’s also used before certain procedures, during pregnancy, or if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that can affect kidney function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed unless instructed. You may drink water as usual, but avoid alcohol before testing. If you’re on a low-protein diet, follow your doctor’s advice.
What Happens During the Test?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. It only takes a few minutes, and you may feel a slight pinch. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected levels may signal kidney problems, while lower levels could indicate muscle breakdown or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your overall health.
Reference range
Titer <1:10 or negative: No detectable IgG antibodies; Titer >=1:10 suggests past exposure or past infection. A fourfold or greater rise in titer between acute and convalescent specimens indicates recent infection.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to be too high?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect creatinine levels?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy