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Creat2hurmrate

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

A test that measures the amount of creatinine excreted in urine over 2 hours to assess kidney function.

Quick summary

{"Measures creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism","Helps evaluate how well kidneys are filtering blood","Often used to calculate creatinine clearance rate","Requires collecting all urine produced in a 2-hour period","Abnormal results may indicate kidney disease or dysfunction"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12585-6
Short code
CREA2HR
Synonyms
Creat 2h Ur-mRate
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Clean, labeled urine collection container; 24-hour or timed collection container
Units
not specified
Ref low
67
Ref high
167
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzymatic or Jaffe kinetic colorimetric assay
CPT
82570
SNOMED
266249000
Specimen volume
Complete 2-hour collection; volume typically 100-300 mL depending on urine output
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The 2-hour urine creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your urine collected over a 2-hour period. Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle metabolism and is normally filtered out of the blood by your kidneys. This test helps doctors understand how well your kidneys are working by seeing how much creatinine your body is excreting.

During the test, you will be asked to collect all urine you produce during a specific 2-hour period. The laboratory will then analyze the sample to determine the total amount of creatinine eliminated during that time frame.

Reference range

67-167 mg/2 hrnot specified

Specimen: urine

Accurate 2-hour timed urine collection required; empty bladder completely at start (discard) then collect all urine until exactly 2 hours later. No fasting needed; avoid vigorous exercise.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test is primarily used to assess kidney function. High creatinine levels in urine may indicate kidney problems, muscle disorders, or excessive muscle breakdown. Low urine creatinine may suggest kidney impairment, muscle wasting, or inadequate urine collection. The results are often used alongside blood creatinine tests to calculate creatinine clearance, which provides a more accurate picture of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
Typically, no fasting is required for a urine creatinine test. However, your doctor may provide specific instructions. It's important to stay well hydrated unless otherwise directed.
How is the urine collected?
You will be given a sterile container to collect all urine produced during a 2-hour period. It's important to collect every sample and not miss any. The timing of the collection start and end should be noted precisely.
What do high urine creatinine levels mean?
Elevated urine creatinine may indicate good kidney function, but could also suggest conditions like muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), excessive protein intake, or certain muscle disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in context of your overall health.
What do low urine creatinine levels mean?
Low urine creatinine may indicate kidney disease, reduced muscle mass, urinary tract obstruction, or incomplete urine collection. Further testing is usually needed to determine the exact cause.
Are there any risks to this test?
There are no medical risks to this test. The main challenge is ensuring accurate urine collection by capturing all urine produced during the 2-hour period.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Creatinine Urine TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Creatinine TestSource

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