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Creaturscnc

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

A urine creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in your urine to help evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning.

Quick summary

{"Creatinine is a waste product that muscles produce and kidneys filter out","This test helps doctors assess kidney function and detect kidney disease","Results are often compared with blood creatinine levels for a complete picture","Abnormal results may indicate kidney damage or other health conditions","The test is simple, requiring only a urine sample"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14683-7
Short code
UCreat
Synonyms
Creat Ur-sCnc
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine collection container (plain red-top or sterile container)
Units
not specified
Ref low
1.8
Ref high
28
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzymatic method or Jaffe reaction (colorimetric)
CPT
82570
SNOMED
271561004
Specimen volume
10-50 mL for random collection; complete 24-hour collection for timed specimens
Stability
Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Protect from light.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The urine creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your urine. Creatinine is a chemical waste product generated from normal muscle metabolism. Your kidneys normally filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it in urine. When kidney function is impaired, creatinine can accumulate in the blood, and its levels in urine may change.

How is the test performed?

This test requires a urine sample. You may be asked to collect a random urine sample or a 24-hour urine sample, depending on what your doctor needs to evaluate. For a 24-hour collection, you will need to collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period in a special container provided by your healthcare provider.

Why is this test important?

Measuring creatinine in urine helps healthcare providers understand how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It is often used alongside blood tests (like serum creatinine) to calculate creatinine clearance, which estimates how much blood your kidneys filter per minute. This information is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases.

What do the results mean?

Normal creatinine levels in urine vary based on factors like age, sex, muscle mass, and diet. Higher than normal urine creatinine may indicate increased muscle breakdown or high protein intake. Lower than normal levels may suggest kidney problems, as the kidneys are not effectively filtering and excreting creatinine. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and other test results.

Reference range

1.8-28.0 mmol/Lnot specified

Specimen: urine

No fasting or special preparation required; random midstream urine; concentration varies with hydration and muscle mass

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings2

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 is important to follow any dietary guidelines given by your healthcare provider, as excessive meat consumption can temporarily affect creatinine levels.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
The urine creatinine test is very safe with minimal risks. The main discomfort is the minor inconvenience of collecting a urine sample. There are no significant side effects or complications associated with this test.
What can affect my urine creatinine levels?
Several factors can influence creatinine levels, including muscle mass (more muscle produces more creatinine), diet (especially high-protein diets), certain medications, strenuous exercise, and certain medical conditions. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within a day or two, though this may vary depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results or discuss them at your follow-up appointment.
Do I need any other tests along with urine creatinine?
Your doctor may order additional tests to get a complete picture of your kidney function. These may include blood tests (such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), urine protein tests, and imaging studies. The combination of tests helps provide a more accurate assessment of kidney health.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Creatinine TestSource
  2. 2
    National Kidney Foundation - Creatinine and Creatinine ClearanceSource
  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