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Serum Creatinine (Mass Concentration)

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

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.

Quick summary

["Kidney function check with a simple blood test."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
108196-7
Short code
GQ1b Gangl IgG+IgM Ser Ql IA
Synonyms
GQ1b Gangl IgG+IgM Ser Ql IA
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 This Test Matters

Creatinine levels can indicate how well your kidneys are working. High levels may suggest kidney damage or disease, while low levels might indicate dehydration or muscle loss. Your doctor uses this test to monitor kidney health, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm, and a small amount of blood will be drawn. If you’re dehydrated or have very low muscle mass, your creatinine levels might be lower than usual.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual results can vary based on factors like age, sex, and muscle mass. Your doctor will discuss your specific results in relation to your overall health.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

High creatinine levels may be due to kidney problems, dehydration, or conditions that reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Low levels could result from dehydration, muscle wasting, or certain medications.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test is crucial for diagnosing and managing kidney disease, monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure, and assessing overall kidney function in people with risk factors.

Short name

Creatinine Level

Frequently asked questions

How often will I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test regularly if you have kidney-related conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health concerns that affect kidney function. Frequency depends on your individual care plan.
What if my results are outside the normal range?
If your results are higher than usual, your doctor may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan, such as monitoring kidney function more closely or managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Can diet or exercise affect my creatinine levels?
Dietary changes, such as eating less protein, can temporarily lower creatinine levels, but this is usually temporary. Exercise generally doesn’t directly affect creatinine levels unless it causes muscle breakdown, which is rare for most people.
  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