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Serum or plasma mass concentration of creatinine

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

["A creatinine test helps check kidney function by measuring waste in your blood."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13009-6
Short code
MEK Ur-mCnc
Synonyms
MEK Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
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

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test to evaluate kidney health, diagnose kidney disease, or monitor kidney function in people with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. It can also help determine how well dialysis is working or guide treatment decisions for certain medications.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, which usually causes only mild discomfort. If you’re on dialysis, your doctor will arrange for a blood sample during or after your session.

What Happens During the Test?

Blood is collected from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days, depending on lab processing times.

What Are Common Results?

Results are compared to a reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. High levels may indicate kidney problems, while low levels could suggest muscle breakdown or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Creatinine Level

Frequently asked questions

How does creatinine relate to kidney function?
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney function, as healthy kidneys remove waste more efficiently. However, other factors like muscle mass or certain medications can also affect results.
What if my creatinine level is higher than expected?
A higher creatinine level may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or conditions like heart failure. Your doctor will review your results alongside other tests and symptoms to determine the cause and next steps, such as further kidney function tests or lifestyle adjustments.
Can diet affect creatinine levels?
Dietary changes like high-protein meals can temporarily raise creatinine levels, but they usually return to normal after a few days. Your doctor may recommend monitoring protein intake if kidney function is already compromised, but this depends on individual health needs.
  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