Creatinine Clearance (Serum-Based, 24-Hour Urine Collection)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood, using a 24-hour urine sample and a blood sample. It helps assess kidney function and how well your kidneys are removing creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism.
["Helps evaluate kidney health and filtration efficiency over a full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26019-0
- Short code
- CK Macro1 CFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- CK Macro1 CFr SerPl
- 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 Matters for Your Health
Creatinine clearance is a key measure of kidney function because it reflects how effectively your kidneys filter waste products from your blood. Unlike single-blood tests, this method provides a more comprehensive view of kidney performance over time.
How the Test Works
Your doctor will collect a 24-hour urine sample (all urine produced in a day) and a blood sample. The urine sample is tested for creatinine levels, while the blood sample measures creatinine concentration. The test calculates how much creatinine your kidneys filter by comparing these values.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you must collect all urine for a full 24-hour period. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure adequate urine production, but avoid excessive diuretics or medications that may affect kidney function unless instructed otherwise.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll provide a blood sample (usually from a vein in your arm) and a 24-hour urine collection. The blood test is quick, while the urine collection requires timing and consistency to ensure accuracy.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low creatinine clearance may indicate kidney damage or disease, while elevated levels could suggest dehydration, kidney issues, or other health problems. This test helps monitor kidney function in people with diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions affecting the kidneys.
Short name
Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What causes creatinine clearance to be abnormal?
Can I drink fluids before the urine collection?
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