Serum/Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Quantitative)
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 by measuring how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107555-5
- Short code
- Comp C3+C4+ C1q Ab.IgG pnl SerPl
- Synonyms
- Comp C3+C4+ C1q Ab.IgG pnl SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
Your kidneys filter waste products, including creatinine, from your blood. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine levels can rise. This test helps doctors detect early kidney problems, monitor kidney disease progression, or evaluate kidney function before certain procedures.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re tested for plasma, your blood will be processed immediately. Avoid heavy exercise or high-protein meals 24 hours before testing if instructed by your provider.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower-than-normal levels could suggest dehydration or other conditions affecting muscle metabolism. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your overall health and medical history.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated creatinine levels may be due to kidney disease, dehydration, severe muscle injury, or conditions like diabetes or heart failure. Lower levels might be linked to overhydration or muscle wasting. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
Can diet affect my creatinine levels?
What if my results are out of 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy