Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Qualitative or Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess kidney function.
["A creatinine test helps check how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 92968-7
- Short code
- mecA+mecC Islt/Spm Ql
- Synonyms
- mecA+mecC Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate kidney health, monitor chronic kidney disease, detect early kidney problems, or assess kidney function before certain treatments or surgeries. It can also help determine if you need dialysis or other kidney support.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a more complex evaluation. Drink plenty of water the day before to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein (typically in your arm) by a healthcare professional. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using methods like enzymatic or nephelometric techniques.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but exact values depend on lab equipment and patient factors. High levels may indicate kidney issues, while very low levels could suggest muscle disorders or dehydration.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key marker for kidney function because they reflect how well your kidneys filter blood. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney function, early-stage kidney disease, or conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Low levels may warrant further investigation to rule out muscle problems or dehydration.
Short name
Creatinine Level (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What causes creatinine levels to be too 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