Serum Creatinine Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle breakdown, in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function check: High levels may signal kidney problems; low levels could indicate dehydration or muscle disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32006-9
- Short code
- C trach C Ab Titr Ser
- Synonyms
- C trach C Ab Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Matters
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism that the kidneys filter out of your blood. Your kidneys normally remove most of it, but if they’re not working well, creatinine builds up. This test helps doctors monitor kidney health, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect the kidneys.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes. If you’re dehydrated, your doctor may advise drinking extra fluids the day before.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary slightly by lab. High creatinine levels may indicate kidney damage or disease, while very low levels might suggest dehydration, muscle disorders, or errors in measurement. Your doctor will discuss your specific results in the context of your health.
Common Conditions Linked to Creatinine Levels
High creatinine levels are often linked to chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or conditions like diabetes or heart disease that strain kidney function. Low levels can sometimes be due to dehydration, severe muscle loss, or certain medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key marker for kidney function, helping doctors diagnose and manage kidney-related issues early. They’re also used to monitor treatment progress for conditions like chronic kidney disease or after kidney transplants.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my creatinine level be higher than expected?
Could my creatinine level be lower than expected?
Do I need to avoid certain foods before this test?
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