Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Standard Method)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle breakdown, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["A creatinine test helps check kidney function by evaluating how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78188-0
- Short code
- MV lat ann s-prime Vmax TDI
- Synonyms
- MV lat ann s-prime Vmax TDI
- 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
- 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 metabolism and is normally filtered out by your kidneys. High levels can indicate poor kidney function, while low levels might suggest overhydration or muscle loss. This test is often used alongside other kidney function tests to diagnose or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a blood draw (serum or plasma) or, in some cases, a urine sample (though creatinine urine tests are less common for this specific measurement). If you’re on a low-protein diet, discuss it with your healthcare provider, as it may affect results.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in units of mass concentration (e.g., milligrams per deciliter). While exact reference ranges vary by lab, higher-than-normal levels may signal kidney problems, while very low levels could raise concerns about hydration or muscle mass.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is frequently used to monitor kidney health in conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease. It can also help assess kidney function before surgeries or during treatments that may affect kidney function.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated creatinine levels often indicate reduced kidney function, as the kidneys struggle to filter waste properly. Over time, this can lead to kidney damage or failure. Conversely, very low levels may suggest conditions like severe dehydration, muscle atrophy, or certain metabolic disorders. Your healthcare provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and other tests.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to be higher than usual?
What if my creatinine level is lower than expected?
How often should I get 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