Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Standard Method)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle breakdown, in your blood or urine. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["A creatinine test helps check kidney function by measuring how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24880-7
- Short code
- MR Pit+Sella turc
- Synonyms
- MR Pit+Sella turc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- 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 Matters
Creatinine levels can indicate how well your kidneys are working. High levels may suggest kidney problems, while low levels could indicate dehydration or muscle loss. This test is often used alongside other kidney function tests to diagnose and monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test, but this depends on the type of test (blood or urine). For a blood test, a small sample is taken from a vein in your arm. For a urine test, you may collect a sample at home or in the lab. Drink plenty of water if instructed, as it can help prepare your body for the test.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High creatinine levels might be due to kidney disease, dehydration, or conditions that reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Low levels can result from dehydration, muscle breakdown, or certain medical conditions. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
How Results Are Interpreted
Your healthcare provider will compare your results with standard ranges and consider your overall health. They may also review other tests or medical history to provide a full picture. Never interpret results on your own.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key indicator of kidney function. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney function, which can lead to complications like fluid buildup, electrolyte imbalances, or even heart problems. Regular monitoring is important for people with chronic kidney disease or risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What does a creatinine test tell me about my kidneys?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Can diet affect my 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