Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Substance Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or body fluid. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["A creatinine test helps check kidney function and detect early kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109922-5
- Short code
- ENA Scl70 Ab Msmt Fld
- Synonyms
- ENA Scl70 Ab Msmt Fld
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor 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, during pregnancy, or if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
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 creatinine levels if needed.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, or a fluid sample (like urine or body fluid) may be collected. The sample is sent to a lab for testing.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate kidney problems, while lower levels could suggest muscle breakdown or dehydration. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key marker for kidney function. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney filtration, which can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or other conditions like fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances. Regular monitoring helps manage these risks and adjust treatments like medications or diet.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to be higher than usual?
What causes creatinine levels to be lower than usual?
Do I need to do anything special after the 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