Serum Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your serum. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["A creatinine test checks kidney function by measuring waste product levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33571-1
- Short code
- ENA Jo1 IgG Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- ENA Jo1 IgG Ser-aCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor kidney health, especially if you have symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine output. It’s also used before certain procedures or medications to ensure your kidneys are functioning properly.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader kidney function panel. Drink plenty of water the day before to help dilute urine if it’s a urine-based test (though this test is serum-based).
What Happens During the Test?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab to measure creatinine levels. The process takes a few minutes and may cause a slight pinch.
What Do Results Mean?
Results help determine if your kidneys are working as expected. Abnormal levels may signal kidney damage or disease, but interpretation depends on your overall health and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key indicator of kidney function because they reflect how well blood is filtered. High levels may suggest kidney damage, chronic kidney disease, or conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Low levels could indicate dehydration or muscle loss, though this is less common. Regular monitoring is important for those with risk factors like hypertension or diabetes.
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What causes creatinine levels to change?
Can I adjust my diet to 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