Plasma or Serum Creatinine Concentration (Mass)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle breakdown, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess kidney function.
["Kidney health and function depend on this test."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16356-8
- Short code
- Deprecated AB-Gp Plas-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Deprecated AB-Gp Plas-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It can help diagnose or monitor kidney disease, track kidney function over time, or evaluate conditions affecting kidney function, such as dehydration, heart failure, or certain medications.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic panel, but this is not always required. Drink plenty of water the day before if you’re dehydrated.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are the Results Mean?
Higher than expected levels may suggest kidney problems, while lower levels could indicate muscle breakdown or certain liver conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key indicator of kidney function because it’s a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is filtered out by the kidneys. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney function, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or other conditions that affect blood flow to the kidneys. Regular monitoring of creatinine can help detect early kidney issues, allowing for timely medical intervention.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What can affect my creatinine levels?
Do I need to avoid certain foods or drinks 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