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Creatinine, Urine

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

This test measures creatinine in urine and can help assess kidney function and the concentration of other substances measured in urine.

Quick summary

["Urine creatinine helps evaluate kidney function and interpret other urine test results."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
101993-4
Short code
KYN/Creat Ur
Synonyms
KYN/Creat Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles and filtered by the kidneys. Measuring creatinine in urine can show how much creatinine your body is eliminating.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be used to evaluate kidney function or to check kidney function over time. It can also help determine whether other substances in a urine sample are concentrated or diluted.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested in a laboratory to measure its creatinine level. Your clinician may consider the result along with your other urine tests and blood results.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's instructions about when and how to collect the urine sample. If a timed collection is requested, record the start and end times and collect all urine during that period.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Creatinine

Frequently asked questions

What does urine creatinine measure?
It measures the amount of creatinine in a urine sample. Creatinine is a muscle waste product that the kidneys normally filter from the blood.
Why is urine creatinine checked with other urine tests?
Urine can vary in concentration based on hydration. Creatinine may be used to help determine whether other measured substances are appropriately concentrated.
Does an abnormal urine creatinine result mean I have kidney disease?
Not necessarily. Low or high results can have several causes, including hydration, muscle activity, collection method, or kidney function, so your clinician should interpret it with your other 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