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24-Hour Urine Creatinine Clearance

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products, specifically creatinine, over a full day. It helps assess kidney function and blood flow to the kidneys.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates kidney function by tracking creatinine clearance over 24 hours."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
26974-6
Short code
D-ALA 24h Ur-mCnc
Synonyms
D-ALA 24h Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test if they suspect kidney disease, evaluate kidney function before certain treatments, or check for conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys. It’s particularly useful when other kidney tests (like blood creatinine) don’t provide enough information.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid excessive caffeine or diuretics unless instructed otherwise. Your sample is typically sent to a lab for analysis.

How the Test Works

Creatinine is a waste product naturally produced by your muscles. The test measures how much creatinine is excreted in urine over 24 hours, along with your blood creatinine levels, to calculate clearance—a measure of kidney function.

What the Results Mean

Clearance values help determine if your kidneys are working as expected. Lower clearance may indicate kidney damage or reduced blood flow, while higher values could suggest overhydration or other conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Creatinine Clearance (24h)

Frequently asked questions

How much fluid did you drink daily, and did you notice any unusual urine output (e.g., frequent urination, dark-colored urine)?
Drinking adequate fluids and monitoring urine output helps ensure accurate results. Avoiding excessive caffeine or diuretics can also prevent interference with the test.
What are my blood pressure and kidney-related symptoms (e.g., swelling, fatigue, or frequent infections)?
Symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or frequent infections may signal underlying kidney issues that this test helps identify. Your doctor will use the results alongside these symptoms to guide further care.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. Drinking water as usual helps maintain normal urine flow and accuracy.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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