Plasma or Serum Creatinine Concentration (Mass 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.
["Kidney function is evaluated by checking creatinine levels—higher values may indicate reduced kidney function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47897-4
- Short code
- GH 1h p TRH SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 1h p TRH SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 naturally filtered out by your kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine builds up in your blood. This test helps doctors monitor kidney health, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect the kidneys.
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 blood draw. Drink plenty of water the day before to help your kidneys work normally.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually only takes a few minutes. The blood is then sent to a lab for testing.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual values can vary based on age, sex, muscle mass, and overall health. High levels may signal kidney problems, while very low levels could indicate muscle disorders or other conditions.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
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 outside the normal range?
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