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Immunoassay for Serum/Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Quantitative)

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 is evaluated by checking creatinine levels in your blood."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2488-5
Short code
IF Ser-mCnc
Synonyms
IF Ser-mCnc
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 Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine output. It’s also used to monitor kidney health before or after treatments, track chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, or check for kidney disease progression.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re on a low-protein diet or have certain medications, your doctor may advise adjustments.

How the Test Works

Blood is collected and sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect and quantify creatinine levels. This helps determine how well your kidneys are removing waste from your blood.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal levels may suggest kidney problems, while lower levels could indicate dehydration or muscle breakdown. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your overall health and symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Creatinine levels are a key marker for kidney function. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney function, which can lead to complications like fluid buildup, high blood pressure, or even heart disease if untreated. Regular monitoring helps manage conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Short name

Creatinine Level Check

Frequently asked questions

What causes creatinine levels to change?
Creatinine levels can rise due to kidney disease, dehydration, severe muscle damage, or certain medications. They may drop if you’re dehydrated or have lost muscle mass. Age, sex, and body size also affect results.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your health condition. For example, people with diabetes or kidney disease may need it more frequently than others.
Can diet affect creatinine levels?
Dietary changes like eating more protein can temporarily raise creatinine levels, but your doctor will consider overall health and medical history when interpreting results.
  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