Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Qualitative or Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function is evaluated by checking how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7205-8
- Short code
- CHSHIST
- Synonyms
- Cheddar BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Sodium heparin (green-top) tube for whole blood basophil histamine release testing
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 2 years
- Method
- Basophil histamine release assay (flow cytometry or fluorometric)
- CPT
- 83519
- SNOMED
- 395141001
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL whole blood; minimum 3 mL for pediatric patients
- Stability
- Maintain at room temperature (18-25°C); must be processed within 24 hours of collection. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is 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 to check kidney function before certain procedures or medications.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader kidney function panel. Bring any medications you’re currently taking.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis, often using a method like enzymatic or nephelometric techniques to measure creatinine levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to your age, sex, and overall health. High levels may indicate kidney problems, while low levels could suggest dehydration or muscle breakdown.
Reference range
Negative: <10% histamine release above negative control; Equivocal: 10-20%; Positive: >20% histamine releaseN/A
Avoid antihistamines for 5-7 days prior to testing. Discontinue oral corticosteroids if possible. Avoid tricyclic antidepressants and beta-agonists as directed by physician. Patient should be in stable clinical condition without active allergic reactions at time of draw.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Creatinine Level (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my creatinine level be checked regularly?
What causes creatinine levels to rise?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy