Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Standard Method)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function depends on creatinine levels—high values may signal impaired kidney function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22272-9
- Short code
- ECV18 Ab Titr Ser
- Synonyms
- ECV18 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 Your Kidneys Matter
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle breakdown that your kidneys filter from your blood. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine builds up, which can affect other organs. This test helps doctors check for early kidney problems, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed unless your doctor instructs otherwise. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. If you’re on a diet low in meat or protein, your doctor may ask you to avoid it for 24 hours before testing to get a more accurate result.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a standard range based on age, sex, and overall health. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate kidney problems, while very low levels could suggest muscle disorders or certain medical conditions. Your doctor will discuss the results with you in detail.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High creatinine levels can be caused by kidney disease, dehydration, severe muscle injury, or conditions like diabetes or heart failure. Low levels may be due to muscle wasting, liver disease, or certain medications. Always talk to your doctor about symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What does it feel like to have blood drawn?
Can I drink water 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