Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Standard Method)
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 helps check kidney function by evaluating how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96271-2
- Short code
- hMSH3 Ag Ca spec Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- hMSH3 Ag Ca spec Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- 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 filter waste and extra fluids from your blood to keep your body balanced. Creatinine is a natural waste product that builds up when your kidneys aren’t working as they should. High levels can signal kidney problems, while low levels might indicate dehydration or other conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test, but this isn’t always required. Bring any medications you’re currently taking. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy meals 24 hours before testing to get the most accurate results.
When This Test Is Ordered
Doctors order creatinine tests to monitor kidney health, diagnose kidney disease, check for dehydration, or evaluate conditions like heart failure or muscle disorders. It’s often part of a routine checkup or when symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine appear.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but your actual values depend on factors like age, sex, and muscle mass. High levels may indicate poor kidney function, while very low levels could suggest dehydration or other health issues. Your doctor will discuss these results in detail.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key indicator of kidney function. Elevated levels often signal reduced kidney filtration, which can lead to serious complications if untreated. It’s a non-invasive test that helps doctors track kidney health over time and adjust treatments accordingly.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to be high?
What should I do if my creatinine level is high?
Can diet affect creatinine levels?
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