Urinary Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your urine. It helps assess kidney function by evaluating how well your kidneys filter waste.
["This test helps doctors check how well your kidneys are working by measuring creatinine in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 93456-2
- Short code
- MT-45 Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Synonyms
- MT-45 Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 12
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 84436
- SNOMED
- 302345006
- 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
What Is Urinary Creatinine Used For?
Urinary creatinine is often used alongside blood creatinine tests to help diagnose and monitor kidney disease. It can also be part of a broader evaluation if you have symptoms like frequent urination, swelling, or fatigue.
How Is This Test Performed?
You’ll provide a urine sample (usually a midstream clean-catch or timed collection) in a sterile container. The lab will analyze the sample to measure creatinine levels.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of kidney problems, are at risk for kidney disease (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure), or if you’re undergoing treatment that could affect kidney function.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are compared to your baseline or reference ranges (if provided) to see if creatinine levels are higher or lower than expected. Elevated levels may suggest kidney issues, while very low levels could indicate dehydration or muscle breakdown.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-12.0 μg/dLN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Urinary creatinine is a key part of kidney function assessment. While blood creatinine is more commonly used, urinary creatinine can provide additional context, especially in cases of dehydration, muscle disorders, or certain kidney conditions. It’s often used in conjunction with blood tests for a fuller picture.
Short name
Urinary Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
Why would my doctor ask for this test?
How soon will I get my results?
Can I eat or drink 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