Serum Creatinine Concentration (Mass)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood serum. It helps assess kidney function by checking how well your kidneys filter blood.
["A creatinine test helps doctors evaluate kidney health and diagnose related conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33635-4
- Short code
- ENA PM/SCL Ab Ser ID-mCnc
- Synonyms
- ENA PM/SCL Ab Ser ID-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-diffusion
- 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 This Test Matters
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle breakdown that the kidneys filter out of your blood. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine levels can build up, which may indicate kidney damage or disease. This test is often used alongside other measures, like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), to assess kidney function.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to avoid certain medications (like pain relievers or contrast dyes) before your test, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Typically, no special preparation is needed unless directed otherwise. Bring any recent medications or allergies to your appointment.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High creatinine levels may suggest kidney problems, dehydration, or conditions that increase muscle breakdown (e.g., severe illness or injury). Low levels could indicate overhydration, liver disease, or muscle wasting. Your doctor will consider your overall health and other test results to interpret the results.
What the Results Mean
Your results will be compared to a reference range provided by your lab. While exact values vary by lab, doctors use these results to guide decisions about treatments, such as adjusting medications or monitoring kidney health over time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated creatinine levels are a key marker for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI). It’s often used alongside other tests (like urine protein or glomerular filtration rate) to diagnose and monitor kidney function. Doctors may also use it to assess response to treatments or identify complications in patients with diabetes, heart disease, or other systemic conditions.
Short name
Serum Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What does a ‘normal’ range mean for me?
Can diet or exercise affect my 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