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Creatinine Clearance (from Serum)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood, using creatinine levels in your serum.

Quick summary

["Assesses kidney function by estimating how efficiently your kidneys remove waste via creatinine clearance."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
27226-0
Short code
Cocaethylene SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Cocaethylene SerPl-mCnc
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

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test to evaluate kidney health, diagnose kidney disease, or monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. It helps determine if your kidneys are working properly and if they need medical attention.

What Does the Test Involve?

You’ll provide a blood sample (serum) for measurement. Additionally, your doctor may ask for a 24-hour urine collection to measure total urine creatinine output, though the slug here only specifies serum-based calculation. This helps calculate how much creatinine your kidneys filter over time.

Preparation for the Test

No special preparation is needed for the serum blood draw. If urine collection is required, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, such as collecting all urine over 24 hours in a sterile container.

What Are Common Results?

Results are expressed in units like milliliters per minute (mL/min) or milliliters per second (mL/s). While reference ranges vary by age and sex, lower than expected values may indicate kidney dysfunction, while higher values could suggest dehydration or overhydration.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Creatinine Clearance

Frequently asked questions

What causes creatinine clearance to be low?
Low creatinine clearance can result from kidney disease, dehydration, severe illness, or conditions that restrict blood flow to the kidneys, such as heart failure or high blood pressure.
What causes creatinine clearance to be high?
High creatinine clearance may indicate overhydration, muscle wasting, or conditions that increase creatinine production (e.g., certain metabolic disorders). It can also occur in people with normal kidney function who have unusually high muscle mass.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your health status. Doctors may recommend regular testing for people with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice for scheduling.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy