Serum Creatinine (Creatinine Level)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function depends on this test to detect early kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50768-1
- Short code
- GD1b Gangl IgG/IgM Ser IA-Rto
- Synonyms
- GD1b Gangl IgG/IgM Ser IA-Rto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 doctor may order this test to check for kidney disease, monitor kidney function over time, or evaluate symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine output. It’s also used before certain procedures or medications that affect kidney function.
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 larger panel. Drink plenty of water the day before to help dilute urine and support kidney function.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will take a blood sample from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate kidney problems, dehydration, or conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Lower-than-normal levels could suggest muscle breakdown or liver disease. 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 critical marker for kidney function. Elevated levels often signal impaired filtration, prompting further testing for conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or fluid imbalance. It’s also used to guide dosing for medications that kidneys clear, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs.
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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