Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function check: High levels may signal kidney problems; low levels could indicate dehydration or muscle breakdown."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73300-6
- Short code
- Lisinopril ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Lisinopril ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- 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 Your Kidneys Matter
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle activity that your kidneys filter out of your blood. When kidneys don’t work well, creatinine builds up, which can affect your health over time. This test helps doctors monitor how well your kidneys are doing.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, usually in a doctor’s office or lab. No special preparation is needed, but avoid strenuous activity or eating heavy meals before the test.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High creatinine levels may suggest kidney disease, dehydration, or conditions like heart failure or muscle disorders. Low levels might indicate dehydration, overhydration, or muscle wasting.
When This Test Might Be Ordered
Doctors often check creatinine levels to monitor kidney function, especially if you have symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output. It’s also part of routine health checks for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key marker for kidney function. While they don’t directly show kidney damage, they help doctors assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Persistently high levels may signal kidney disease, while very low levels could indicate conditions that affect fluid balance or muscle function. Regular monitoring helps manage long-term health risks.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a ‘normal’ creatinine level mean?
Can diet affect creatinine levels?
Is there anything I should avoid before this test?
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