Creatinine Clearance (from Lower Leg)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from the blood, specifically assessed through a sample taken from your lower leg. It helps evaluate kidney function over time.
["This test helps doctors check how well your kidneys are working by measuring creatinine clearance from a leg sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87882-7
- Short code
- CT Lower leg-L
- Synonyms
- CT Lower leg-L
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if they suspect kidney disease, monitor kidney function in patients with chronic conditions, or assess kidney health in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. It can also help determine if kidney dialysis is needed.
How the Test Works
A small sample of fluid is collected from your lower leg (likely from a lymph node or interstitial space) to measure creatinine levels. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism that kidneys normally filter out. The test compares how quickly this waste is cleared from the sample to estimate kidney function.
Sample Collection Process
The procedure involves a minor puncture or aspiration of fluid from your lower leg, similar to how blood is drawn. You may feel slight discomfort, but it is usually brief. A healthcare provider will explain the process and ensure you are comfortable.
Preparation and Timing
No special preparation is needed for this test. Results may take a few days to weeks, depending on lab processing and follow-up needs. Your doctor will discuss results and next steps with you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Lower leg creatinine clearance can help identify kidney dysfunction, especially in patients with conditions that affect blood flow or fluid balance. It may also be useful in research or specialized clinical settings where standard blood or urine tests are less informative. Always discuss findings with your healthcare provider to understand their implications for your care.
Short name
Lower Leg Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
What does a lower leg creatinine clearance test measure?
Why might my doctor order this test?
Is this test painful?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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