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Creat5hurscnc

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

This test measures the amount of creatinine in your urine collected over a 5-hour period to evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning.

Quick summary

{"Creatinine is a waste product filtered from blood by healthy kidneys","This test helps assess kidney function and detect kidney disease","You will need to collect all urine produced during a 5-hour period","Results are often used to calculate creatinine clearance","Abnormal results may indicate kidney damage or disease"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
93735-9
Short code
CREA_5H_U
Synonyms
Creat 5h Ur-sCnc
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container (primary) or graduated collection container for timed collection
Units
not specified
Ref low
1.8
Ref high
26.5
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzymatic method (creatinine amidohydrolase) or Jaffe colorimetric method
CPT
82570 (Creatinine; urine)
SNOMED
271272004
Specimen volume
5-10 mL minimum; entire 5-hour collection preferred for accurate measurement
Stability
Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C): several weeks
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The 5-hour urine creatinine test measures the concentration of creatinine in your urine. Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle metabolism and is normally filtered out of the blood by your kidneys. When your kidneys are functioning properly, they remove creatinine from your blood and excrete it in urine.

How is the test performed?

You will be given a special container to collect all urine produced during a 5-hour period. It's important to collect every sample during this time frame, including the first urine of the morning at the start and the final sample at the end. The container should be kept cool and brought to the laboratory as instructed. Your healthcare provider may also draw a blood sample during this period to compare creatinine levels.

Why is this test important?

This test helps doctors evaluate how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. By measuring creatinine in both your blood and urine over a specific time period, your healthcare provider can calculate your creatinine clearance rate, which estimates how much blood your kidneys filter per minute.

How to prepare for the test?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. You may be asked to avoid certain foods or medications that could affect test results. It is important to stay hydrated but follow any specific dietary restrictions given. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.

Reference range

1.8-26.5 mmol/Lnot specified

Specimen: urine

Timed 5-hour urine collection; no fasting required. Avoid strenuous exercise before collection.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings2

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a 5-hour urine collection instead of a shorter test?
A 5-hour collection provides a more accurate measurement of creatinine clearance than a spot urine test. It allows healthcare providers to calculate the actual amount of creatinine your kidneys are excreting over time, giving a better picture of kidney function.
What happens if I miss collecting urine during the 5-hour period?
It is important to collect all urine during the designated period. If you miss a sample, inform your healthcare provider or laboratory staff. They will advise whether you need to restart the collection or if the partial sample can still be used for testing.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no significant risks to this test. The only consideration is the inconvenience of collecting urine over a 5-hour period. If you have difficulty with urine collection, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives.
What do the results mean?
Your results will show the amount of creatinine in your urine. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your blood creatinine levels to calculate your creatinine clearance. Normal creatinine clearance varies by age, gender, and muscle mass. Your healthcare provider will explain what your specific results mean for your health.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions. They may recommend avoiding certain foods (like meat) and strenuous exercise before the test, as these can affect creatinine levels. Stay well-hydrated unless otherwise instructed.
  1. 1
    National Kidney Foundation - Creatinine and Creatinine ClearanceSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - Creatinine TestSource
  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