Serum or Plasma 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 key measure of kidney function and overall kidney health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 100421-7
- Short code
- CHKPIGG
- Synonyms
- Chickpea IgG Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, ELISA)
- CPT
- 86001
- SNOMED
- 395790006
- 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 for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Creatinine levels can indicate how well your kidneys are working. High levels may suggest kidney problems, while low levels could indicate dehydration or other conditions. Your doctor may order this test to monitor kidney function, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re on a low-protein diet or have recently exercised, your levels might be temporarily affected, but this is usually normal.
Possible Results and What They Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). While reference ranges vary by lab, higher than expected levels may signal kidney issues, while very low levels might raise concerns about hydration or muscle breakdown.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Several factors can influence creatinine levels, including muscle mass, diet, hydration status, and certain medications. Conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, or severe dehydration can lead to elevated levels, while muscle disorders or excessive fluid intake may lower them.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Patient does not need to fast prior to sample collection. It is recommended to avoid taking antihistamines for several days before testing if clinically feasible, as they may affect interpretation of allergy panels. Patients should maintain their normal diet, and recent chickpea ingestion does not interfere with IgG antibody detection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to be abnormal?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise affect my 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy