Creaturmcnc
A urine test that measures creatinine levels to help assess kidney function and health.
{"Creatinine is a waste product filtered from blood by kidneys","Urine creatinine levels indicate how well kidneys are working","Abnormal levels may signal kidney disease or muscle disorders","Results are often compared to other urine measurements for accuracy","The test requires a simple urine sample"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2161-8
- Short code
- U.CREA
- Synonyms
- Creat Ur-mCnc
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean sterile urine container (cup or tube)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 370
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzymatic or Jaffe kinetic method
- CPT
- 82570
- SNOMED
- 271299006
- Specimen volume
- 1-10 mL minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 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 urine creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your urine. Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle metabolism. Your kidneys filter creatinine from your blood and remove it through urine. This test helps doctors evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning and can detect potential kidney problems.
Why is it ordered?
Healthcare providers may order this test to assess kidney function, monitor existing kidney disease, check for dehydration, or evaluate muscle mass. Urine creatinine is also used as a reference point to normalize other urine test results, such as protein or albumin measurements, making the results more accurate and comparable.
How is the test performed?
You will provide a urine sample, usually collected in a sterile container during a routine urinalysis. For a 24-hour urine collection, you will collect all urine produced over 24 hours in a special container. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Understanding your results
Normal urine creatinine levels vary based on age, gender, muscle mass, and diet. Higher than normal creatinine may indicate kidney problems, muscle breakdown, or dehydration. Lower than normal levels can suggest kidney disease, reduced muscle mass, or advanced age. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
20-370 mg/dLnot specified
No special preparation required for random urine. Avoid strenuous exercise before collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What can affect my urine creatinine levels?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - CreatinineSource
- 2
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