Serum Creatinine (Creatinine Level)
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.
["Kidney function check: creatinine levels help determine if your kidneys are working properly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80054-0
- Short code
- MV lat ann e-prime Vmax TDI.A4C
- Synonyms
- MV lat ann e-prime Vmax TDI.A4C
- 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-tissue-doppler-a-c
- 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 is a byproduct of muscle breakdown and is normally filtered out by your kidneys. High levels can indicate kidney problems, while low levels may suggest dehydration or muscle loss. This test is often used alongside other measures like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to evaluate kidney function.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to fast for a few hours before your blood is drawn, though this is not always required. Drink plenty of water the day before if you suspect dehydration. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy meals before testing.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw a blood sample. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The process takes just a few minutes.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micromoles per liter (µmol/L). While reference ranges vary by lab, higher than expected levels may signal kidney issues, while very low levels might warrant further investigation for conditions like muscle wasting or severe dehydration.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key indicator of kidney function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often detected early through elevated creatinine, as it reflects how well your kidneys are removing waste. Doctors may also use creatinine to monitor kidney health in people with diabetes, hypertension, or other risk factors. Repeated tests can help track progression or response to treatment.
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to change?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise 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