Creatinine Clearance (from Blood)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood, using creatinine as a marker. It helps assess kidney function and overall kidney health.
["This test helps doctors check how well your kidneys are working and identify potential kidney problems early."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2032-1
- Short code
- COHgb MFr BldV
- Synonyms
- COHgb MFr BldV
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 17.5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85018
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003004
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order creatinine clearance if you have symptoms of kidney issues, such as swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine output. It’s also used before surgeries, during pregnancy, or if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that can affect kidney function.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll provide a blood sample (whole blood) and, depending on the protocol, a 24-hour urine sample. The test measures creatinine levels in both samples to calculate how efficiently your kidneys filter waste.
How Is the Test Performed?
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, while the 24-hour urine collection involves collecting all urine for a full day. Results are processed using a method like enzymatic analysis to determine creatinine concentration and clearance rate.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Low creatinine clearance may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or blockages in the urinary tract. High levels could suggest kidney damage, fluid overload, or conditions like muscle disorders or severe dehydration.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
Why might my creatinine clearance test be done differently than what I expected?
Can diet or medications affect my creatinine clearance results?
What should I do if I have kidney-related symptoms before my test?
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