Creatserpllcmsmsscnc
A blood test that measures creatinine levels to evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning.
{"Creatinine is a waste product that healthy kidneys filter from the blood","High creatinine levels may indicate kidney problems","The test uses a precise method called LC/MS/MS","Results help doctors assess kidney function","A small blood sample is needed for this test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 103616-9
- Short code
- Creatinine LC/MS/MS
- Synonyms
- Creat SerPl LC/MS/MS-sCnc
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- SST (Serum Separator Tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 53
- Ref high
- 106
- Critical range
- 30 not specified – 884 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- lc-ms-ms
- CPT
- 82565
- SNOMED
- 271296006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 25
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Serum Creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal breakdown of muscles during daily activities. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of your blood and remove it through urine.
How is this test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using a highly accurate method called Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). This technique is very precise and is considered the gold standard for measuring creatinine levels.
How to prepare for the test
For accurate results, you may need to: avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours before the test, fast (not eat) for 8-12 hours if instructed by your doctor, and inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can affect creatinine levels. Drink plenty of water unless otherwise instructed.
What do the results mean?
Normal creatinine levels vary based on age, sex, and muscle mass. Generally, higher than normal creatinine levels may indicate that your kidneys are not filtering waste effectively. Lower than normal levels are less common and may occur in conditions involving low muscle mass. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your individual health situation.
Reference range
53-106 µmol/L (adults; sex-specific ranges apply)not specified
No fasting or special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
What can affect my creatinine levels?
Do I need to do anything after the test?
How often should I have this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy