Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function is evaluated by checking creatinine levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49945-9
- Short code
- GH 10:30 PM SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 10:30 PM SerPl-aCnc
- 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 check for kidney problems, monitor kidney function over time, or evaluate conditions like dehydration, heart disease, or muscle disorders. It’s often used alongside other tests to diagnose or monitor chronic kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually 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 ensure normal kidney function. Avoid strenuous exercise or certain medications that could affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The test takes a few minutes, but the process may take longer depending on your vein access.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your kidneys are working properly. High levels may indicate kidney damage or disease, while very low levels could suggest muscle disorders, severe dehydration, or liver problems. 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 indicator of kidney function because they reflect how well blood is filtered. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney function, which can lead to complications like fluid buildup, electrolyte imbalances, or even heart disease. Regular monitoring is important for people with chronic kidney disease or risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise affect my creatinine levels?
What if my results are abnormal?
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