Creaturmscnc
A urine test that measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, to help assess how well your kidneys are functioning.
{"Creatinine is a waste product that healthy kidneys filter from blood into urine","This test helps doctors evaluate kidney function and detect kidney problems","Results are often compared with blood creatinine levels for a complete picture","Abnormal levels may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or muscle disorders","The test is simple, requiring only a routine urine sample"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35204-7
- Short code
- UCREA
- Synonyms
- Creat Ur-msCnc
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean-catch urine container or 24-hour urine collection container with preservative as required
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 300
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzymatic or Jaffe colorimetric method
- CPT
- 82570
- SNOMED
- 271254001
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 10 mL, preferably 20-50 mL for adequate testing
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): several weeks to months
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A urine creatinine test measures how much creatinine is in your urine. Creatinine is a natural waste product that comes from the normal breakdown of creatine, a substance used by muscles for energy. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine from your blood and remove it from your body through urine.
Why is it done?
This test helps healthcare providers assess how well your kidneys are working. It is often performed as part of a routine urinalysis or when kidney problems are suspected. The test can also help doctors understand if your kidneys are properly removing waste from your blood.
How is the sample collected?
You will be asked to provide a urine sample. This is usually done by urinating into a sterile container provided by your healthcare provider or laboratory. Sometimes you may be asked to collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period for more accurate results. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What do the results mean?
Normal creatinine levels in urine vary depending on factors such as age, sex, muscle mass, and diet. High creatinine levels in urine may indicate that your kidneys are working well to filter waste. Low levels might suggest kidney problems, reduced muscle mass, or other health conditions. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with other tests.
Reference range
20-300 mg/dLnot specified
No special preparation required for random urine; timed/24-hour collections require complete collection per protocol
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?
Are there any risks to this test?
What can affect my creatinine levels?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy