Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["A creatinine test helps check kidney function and detect early kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7239-7
- Short code
- Cocklebur BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Synonyms
- Cocklebur BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- Method
- lhr
- CPT
- 82553
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle breakdown that your kidneys filter out of your blood. High levels may indicate reduced kidney function, while low levels could suggest dehydration or muscle loss. This test is often used alongside other kidney function tests to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease or kidney damage from medications or illnesses.
How the Test Works
Your blood or plasma sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed using a specialized method, often an enzymatic or automated chemical assay. The lab measures how much creatinine is present and compares it to a standard reference range.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may have this test done while you’re at the doctor’s office, a clinic, or a lab. No special preparation is usually needed, but you might be asked to fast for a few hours if it’s part of a larger blood panel. Drink plenty of water the day before if you’re concerned about dehydration.
What to Expect During the Test
The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein, typically in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The process takes a few minutes, and you can return to your normal activities afterward.
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.
High creatinine levels can signal kidney problems, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or conditions that affect blood flow to the kidneys (like heart failure or severe dehydration). Low levels may suggest dehydration, low muscle mass, or liver disease. Doctors use creatinine levels to monitor kidney function over time, adjust medications, and guide treatment plans for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise affect my creatinine levels?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
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