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Creat24hursrate

Published: July 31, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A test that measures the amount of creatinine in your urine over a 24-hour period to assess kidney function.

Quick summary

{"Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism that kidneys normally filter out","This test helps evaluate how well your kidneys are working","You will need to collect all urine in a special container for 24 hours","Results help doctors diagnose and monitor kidney disease","The test may be repeated to track changes in kidney function over time"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14684-5
Short code
CREA24
Synonyms
Creat 24h Ur-sRate
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
24-hour urine collection container (polypropylene)
Units
not specified
Ref low
7.1
Ref high
17.7
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzymatic method or Jaffe reaction (colorimetric)
CPT
82570
SNOMED
271282006
Specimen volume
Complete 24-hour collection (typically 1000-2000 mL depending on urine output)
Stability
Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
1–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The 24-hour urine creatinine test measures how much creatinine your kidneys filter out of your blood and excrete in your urine over a 24-hour period. Creatinine is a chemical waste product produced by normal muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys typically filter creatinine from the blood and eliminate it through urine.

Why is this test performed?

This test is primarily used to evaluate kidney function. It helps your healthcare provider assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. The test is often used alongside other tests, such as blood creatinine tests, to calculate creatinine clearance rate—an estimate of your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which indicates how much blood your kidneys filter per minute.

How to prepare for and collect the sample?

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions. Generally, you will receive a large collection container. On the day of collection, start by urinating into the toilet when you wake up (this first morning urine is not collected). For the next 24 hours, collect all your urine in the container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. After 24 hours, bring the container to your healthcare provider's office or laboratory as instructed.

What do the results mean?

Normal creatinine levels in urine vary based on factors like age, sex, muscle mass, and diet. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your individual circumstances. Higher than normal urine creatinine may indicate conditions affecting kidney function, while lower levels may be seen in advanced kidney disease, muscle loss, or other medical conditions.

Reference range

Male: 8.8-17.7 mmol/24h; Female: 7.1-15.9 mmol/24hnot specified

Specimen: urine

Complete 24-hour urine collection required (discard first void; collect all urine including next morning void); refrigerate during collection; no fasting needed; avoid strenuous exercise

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Does the 24-hour urine creatinine test hurt?
No, this test is painless. It simply requires you to collect your urine in a container over 24 hours. There is no blood draw or physical discomfort involved.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no medical risks to this test. The main challenge is accurately collecting all urine for the entire 24-hour period.
Do I need to avoid any foods or medications before the test?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Typically, you should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before and during collection, as excessive muscle activity can affect creatinine levels. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, as some may affect results.
What happens if I miss a urine sample during the 24-hour collection?
If you miss a sample, tell your healthcare provider or laboratory. They will advise whether you need to restart the collection process. Accuracy is important, so it's essential to collect every urine sample during the 24-hour period.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within a few days. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results and explain what they mean for your health.
  1. 1
    National Kidney Foundation - Creatinine and Creatinine ClearanceSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - Urine CreatinineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic - Kidney Function TestsSource

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