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Creatinine, Urine

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

A urine test that measures how much creatinine is present in a sample. It can help assess kidney function and interpret other urine results.

Quick summary

["Urine creatinine helps evaluate kidney function and determine how concentrated a urine sample is."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
96086-4
Short code
HEDIS MY 2020 Ur Creat Lab Test
Synonyms
HEDIS MY 2020 Ur Creat Lab Test
Category
kidney
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

What is this test?

Creatinine is a waste product made by the muscles and filtered through the kidneys. This test measures the amount of creatinine in urine.

Why might I need this test?

Urine creatinine may be used to check kidney function, monitor certain conditions or medicines, and measure substances such as protein or albumin in the urine. It may also be part of a 24-hour urine collection.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. The sample may be a single specimen or part of a timed collection, depending on the reason for testing.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's collection instructions and tell the laboratory if you are pregnant, recently ill, or taking medicines that may affect kidney function. For a 24-hour collection, collect all urine during the specified period and store the container as directed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine creatinine

Frequently asked questions

What does a urine creatinine result tell my clinician?
It helps show how well the kidneys are filtering and how concentrated the urine is. Your clinician may compare it with other urine or blood test results.
Does drinking a lot of water change the result?
Yes. Drinking extra water can dilute the urine and lower the creatinine concentration, while not drinking enough can make the result more concentrated.
Is urine creatinine the same as a 24-hour urine test?
No. Urine creatinine measures the creatinine present in urine, while a 24-hour urine test measures the total amount of a substance released over a full day. The creatinine result may be used to help calculate that total.
  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