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Creatinine, Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Urine creatinine measures how much creatinine is excreted in the urine and can help assess kidney function and urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This test can help evaluate kidney function, but the result is influenced by hydration, muscle mass, and urine collection time."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
27163-5
Short code
NMA/Creat Ur
Synonyms
NMA/Creat Ur
Category
kidney
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

What is this test?

Creatinine is a waste product made by the muscles and filtered by the kidneys. This test measures the amount of creatinine in a urine sample.

Why might I need this test?

Urine creatinine may be used to evaluate kidney function or determine how concentrated a urine sample is. It may also be compared with another substance, such as urine protein or albumin, to help interpret that result.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is analyzed in the laboratory to determine its creatinine concentration. If a 24-hour collection is requested, all urine collected during the specified period must be included.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's or laboratory's collection instructions. For a timed collection, record the start and end times and bring the entire container; fasting is generally not required unless specifically requested.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Urine creatinine results vary with fluid intake, urine volume, muscle mass, and collection timing. A result that is unexpectedly high or low may reflect hydration, collection, or kidney-related factors, so it should be interpreted alongside other tests and clinical information.

This test does not by itself diagnose a specific condition. Your clinician can explain whether the result indicates reduced kidney function, concentrated or dilute urine, or another finding.

Short name

Urine Creatinine

Frequently asked questions

Is urine creatinine the same as a blood creatinine test?
No. Blood creatinine measures the amount in the blood, while urine creatinine measures the amount excreted in the urine. Both can provide different information about kidney function.
Do I need to fast for this test?
Fasting is usually not necessary. Follow any specific instructions given by your clinician or laboratory.
Why is a urine creatinine result sometimes used with another test?
Creatinine can help account for urine concentration when interpreting substances such as albumin or protein. The comparison is more useful than either value alone.
  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