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Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine — Total Excretion Rate

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures the total creatinine excreted in urine over 24 hours, reflecting creatinine production and helping evaluate muscle mass and daily urinary losses.

Quick summary

["This test measures how much creatinine your body releases in urine over one day."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33860-8
Short code
GH/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
Synonyms
GH/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A 24-hour urine creatinine test measures the total amount of creatinine excreted in your urine during a full day. Creatinine is a waste product formed mainly in muscle as the body uses energy and protein.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be used to estimate daily creatinine production, which can help assess muscle mass and changes in kidney function. It is also used with other measurements, such as urine protein, to calculate how much is being excreted each day.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine for exactly 24 hours in a labeled container provided by the laboratory or clinician. The total amount and concentration of creatinine in the collection are measured, and the daily creatinine excretion can be calculated.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions carefully, including the start and end times. Record any urine that was missed, avoid vigorous exercise if instructed, and tell your clinician about meat-heavy diets, creatine supplements, or medicines that may affect the result.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-hour urine creatinine

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast for a 24-hour urine creatinine test?
Fasting is usually not required, but unusual changes in diet, exercise, or muscle activity can affect the result. Follow any specific instructions from your clinician or laboratory.
What happens if I miss part of the urine collection?
A missed sample can make the total amount and daily excretion calculation inaccurate. Record when the collection was missed and contact the laboratory for instructions on restarting or correcting the collection.
Does this test directly measure kidney function?
It helps provide information about muscle metabolism and daily creatinine excretion, but it is not a stand-alone measure of kidney filtration. Your clinician may interpret it alongside serum creatinine, estimated filtration rate, and other tests.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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