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Creatinine Clearance (from 24-hour urine collection)

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

This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products by tracking creatinine levels in your urine over 24 hours.

Quick summary

["Assesses kidney function by evaluating urine flow and waste removal efficiency."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
34160-2
Short code
CK Fld Ql
Synonyms
CK Fld Ql
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 This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test to check if your kidneys are working properly, especially if you have conditions like kidney disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. It helps determine how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys produce urine throughout the day. Avoid using diuretics (like caffeine-heavy drinks) unless instructed otherwise.

What Happens During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine samples at home. Bring all samples to your lab for testing. The lab will analyze the urine to measure creatinine levels and calculate clearance.

What the Results Mean

Results help your doctor compare how much creatinine your kidneys remove from your blood versus what’s expected based on your body size and health. Lower than expected clearance may indicate kidney problems.

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine Creatinine Clearance

Frequently asked questions

If your creatinine clearance is lower than normal, it may signal kidney damage or reduced function. Repeatedly low results could mean chronic kidney disease or other conditions affecting kidney health.
This test is not a single snapshot—it’s a 24-hour snapshot of how well your kidneys are working over time, which can reveal patterns not seen in a single blood test.
What causes creatinine clearance to be low?
Low creatinine clearance can result from kidney disease, dehydration, severe illness, or certain medications that affect kidney function. High levels may also occur if your kidneys aren’t filtering waste properly.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your health history and symptoms. Regular monitoring may be needed if you have kidney-related conditions or risk factors.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

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