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24-Hour Urinary Creatinine Clearance

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products, including creatinine, over a full day. It helps assess kidney function and detect early signs of kidney disease.

Quick summary

["This test helps doctors check how well your kidneys are working by tracking waste removal over time."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
53433-9
Short code
CK Dial fld-cCnc
Synonyms
CK Dial fld-cCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
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
CPT
82553
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test if they suspect kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, or other conditions affecting how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood. It’s also used to monitor kidney function in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney issues.

How Is the Test Performed?

You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. Your doctor will provide instructions on timing and storage. After collection, the urine is sent to a lab for analysis.

What Do the Results Mean?

The results show how much creatinine your kidneys filter each minute. Lower than expected values may indicate kidney problems, while higher values could suggest dehydration or other conditions affecting fluid balance.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

Abnormal results can stem from kidney disease, blockages in the urinary tract, dehydration, or certain medications. Your doctor will review your results in the context of your overall health.

Reference range

Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test is critical for diagnosing and managing kidney function. It helps doctors track progress in kidney-related conditions and adjust treatments as needed. Early detection of kidney issues can improve long-term outcomes.

Short name

Creatinine Clearance (24-hour urine)

Frequently asked questions

What does a low creatinine clearance mean?
A low creatinine clearance may suggest your kidneys are not filtering waste as efficiently as they should, which could indicate early kidney disease, blockages, or other health issues. Your doctor will discuss this with you further.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your health condition. For example, people with chronic kidney disease may need it more frequently than others.
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
No special diet or restrictions are needed before collecting urine for this test. Just follow your doctor’s instructions for timing and storage of your urine sample.
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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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy