Serum or Plasma 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.
["A creatinine test is key for checking kidney function and detecting early kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108782-4
- Short code
- GH Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- GH Msmt SerPl
- 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 Your Kidneys Matter
Your kidneys work like a body’s built-in filtration system, removing waste and extra fluids from your blood. Creatinine is one of the waste products they clear. When kidney function declines, creatinine levels in your blood can rise, which is why this test is important for monitoring kidney health over time.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll typically have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be required depending on your lab’s protocol. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure creatinine concentration.
Common Uses of This Test
Doctors use creatinine tests to evaluate kidney function, diagnose kidney diseases, monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and check for dehydration or other health issues that may affect kidney performance.
When You Might Need This Test
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, swelling, frequent urination, or if you’re at risk for kidney problems due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
How does creatinine relate to kidney function?
The frequency depends on your health status. People with kidney disease or risk factors may need this test more often, while others with no known issues might get it less frequently. Follow your doctor’s advice for the best schedule.
Dietary changes like eating more protein or certain supplements can temporarily affect creatinine levels, but the test itself doesn’t measure protein intake. Your doctor may recommend dietary adjustments if kidney function is being monitored closely.
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