Serum or Plasma Creatinine (Concentration)
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.
["A creatinine test helps check kidney function and detect early kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110757-2
- Short code
- ENA SM+RNP IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- ENA SM+RNP IgG 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
- 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 This Test Matters
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle breakdown and is normally filtered out by your kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine builds up in your blood. This test helps doctors determine if your kidneys are functioning properly or if there may be an issue that needs attention.
What to Expect Before the Test
You won’t need to prepare for this test. It’s usually done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. If you’re taking certain medications that affect kidney function, your doctor may ask you to stop them temporarily or adjust your dosage.
Possible Results and Next Steps
Results are compared to a standard range, though exact values can vary by lab. High levels may suggest kidney problems, while low levels could indicate conditions like dehydration or muscle loss. Your doctor will discuss your results and any follow-up actions needed.
Common Reasons for This Test
Doctors order creatinine tests to monitor kidney health, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. It may also be part of routine check-ups or before certain treatments.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated creatinine levels often indicate reduced kidney function, which can be caused by conditions like chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, or severe dehydration. Low levels may suggest overhydration or conditions affecting muscle mass. Regular monitoring helps manage long-term health and prevent complications.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
Will this test affect my diet or medications?
How long will I need to wait for my results?
Can I still exercise or drink alcohol before 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