Serum Creatinine (Creatinine Level)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function check via waste product levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111040-2
- Short code
- ENA PCNA Ab Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- ENA PCNA Ab Msmt 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
What Is Creatinine?
Creatinine is a byproduct formed when your muscles break down proteins. Normally, your kidneys filter it out of your blood and remove it from your body through urine. High levels in your blood can indicate kidney problems, while low levels may suggest dehydration or muscle disorders.
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors order creatinine tests to evaluate kidney function, monitor chronic kidney disease, assess dehydration, or check for conditions like muscle disorders or heart failure. It’s often used alongside other tests, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), to get a full picture of kidney health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. If you’re on a low-protein diet or have recently exercised, let your doctor know—it may affect results.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood sample will be taken by a healthcare professional. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few seconds. The site will be cleaned and bandaged afterward. The test itself is quick and painless.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels help diagnose and monitor kidney disease, track progression of conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and guide treatment decisions. Elevated levels may signal impaired kidney function, while persistently low levels could warrant further investigation into muscle metabolism or hydration status.
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet affect creatinine levels?
What if my creatinine level is high?
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