Creatinine Clearance (Calculated from Serum Creatinine and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood, using a calculation based on your creatinine levels and other factors.
["Assesses kidney function by estimating how efficiently your kidneys remove waste."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109712-0
- Short code
- Cocaethylene Msmt Mec
- Synonyms
- Cocaethylene Msmt Mec
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
What Is Creatinine Clearance Used For?
Creatinine clearance helps doctors evaluate kidney function and diagnose conditions like chronic kidney disease. It’s often used alongside serum creatinine tests to get a more accurate picture of how well your kidneys are working over time.
How Is This Test Performed?
This test involves a simple blood draw to measure your serum creatinine level. Additionally, your doctor may use a 24-hour urine collection to directly measure creatinine clearance, though calculated clearance is more commonly used in routine care.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order creatinine clearance if you have symptoms of kidney problems (like fatigue, swelling, or frequent urination), if you have a history of kidney disease, or if you’re taking medications that can affect kidney function.
What Does a Result Mean?
Results are interpreted relative to your age, sex, and body size. Lower than expected values may suggest overhydration or muscle loss, while higher values may indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine clearance is a key marker for kidney health. It reflects how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood, helping doctors detect early kidney damage or monitor progression of kidney disease. Abnormal results may prompt further testing or adjustments to treatment plans.
Short name
Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
What causes false low or high creatinine clearance results?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect creatinine clearance?
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