Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess kidney function.
["A creatinine test helps doctors check how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51697-1
- Short code
- CV2 Ab Titr SerPl IF
- Synonyms
- CV2 Ab Titr SerPl IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- 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 breakdown and is filtered out by your kidneys. High levels may indicate kidney problems, while low levels could suggest dehydration or muscle loss. This test is often used alongside other measures to monitor kidney health, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to determine the creatinine concentration using a method like enzymatic or nephelometric techniques. Results are compared to a reference range to identify any potential issues.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order a creatinine test to evaluate kidney function, diagnose conditions like chronic kidney disease, monitor treatment progress for conditions affecting the kidneys, or check for signs of dehydration or other health issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
There are usually no special preparations needed for this test. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it is part of a broader metabolic panel, but this is not always required. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy meals 24 hours before testing to ensure accurate results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High creatinine levels may signal impaired kidney function, as the kidneys struggle to remove waste products efficiently. Low levels might suggest dehydration, low muscle mass, or errors in testing. Regular monitoring of creatinine levels is critical for managing chronic kidney disease, heart conditions, and other systemic illnesses. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider to interpret them in the context of your overall health.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to be higher than usual?
What should I do if my creatinine level is low?
Does diet affect creatinine levels?
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