Creatinine Clearance (Serum-Based, 24-Hour Urine Collection)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood, using a 24-hour urine sample and your serum creatinine level.
["Assesses kidney function by estimating how efficiently your kidneys clear waste from your blood over 24 hours."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109166-9
- Short code
- C trach C IgA Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- C trach C IgA Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 It’s Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of kidney problems, such as fatigue, swelling, or frequent urination. It’s also used to monitor kidney function in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions that can affect the kidneys.
How It Works
You’ll provide a 24-hour urine sample (typically collected over a full day) and a blood sample. The test compares the amount of creatinine in your urine to your blood to calculate how much creatinine your kidneys remove from your blood each minute.
What to Expect
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, including during sleep. Your doctor or lab technician will guide you on proper collection. The blood draw is simple and usually done at your doctor’s office or lab.
Factors That Can Affect Results
Factors like dehydration, muscle mass, or certain medications can influence your creatinine levels. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) before the test can help ensure accurate results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low creatinine clearance may indicate kidney damage or disease, while very high levels could suggest dehydration or muscle disorders. This test helps doctors diagnose and monitor kidney function, especially in people with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Short name
Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 24-hour urine collection take?
Can I eat or drink normally during the urine collection?
What if I miss any urine during the collection?
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