Serum Creatinine (Electrolyte Panel)
This test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism that your kidneys filter from your blood. It helps assess kidney function and overall health.
["Creatinine levels help doctors check how well your kidneys are working."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104148-2
- Short code
- LV US.3D.A4C+Est
- Synonyms
- LV US.3D.A4C+Est
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-d-a-c-estimated
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle breakdown and is naturally excreted by the kidneys. Your blood test measures how much creatinine is present in your serum. Elevated levels may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower levels might suggest dehydration or muscle loss.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may order this test to monitor kidney health, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney problems. It’s also used during pregnancy, before certain medications, or to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output.
What Are Common Reasons for Abnormal Results?
Higher-than-normal creatinine levels may signal impaired kidney function, dehydration, or conditions like heart failure or severe muscle disorders. Lower-than-normal levels could suggest dehydration, low muscle mass, or overhydration. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum portion is then tested in a lab to measure creatinine concentration using an automated method.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key indicator of kidney function, often used alongside other tests (like blood urea nitrogen) to assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Abnormal results may prompt further evaluation, such as additional kidney function tests or imaging.
Short name
Serum Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test if I don’t have kidney problems?
What should I do if my creatinine level is high?
Can diet affect my creatinine test results?
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