Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
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
- 108995-2
- Short code
- N men sg A IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- N men sg A IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 Your Kidneys Matter
Your kidneys filter waste and extra substances from your blood, including creatinine. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine levels in your blood may rise. This test is often used to monitor kidney health, especially in people with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader kidney function panel. Bring any medications you’re taking, as some may affect results.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected levels may suggest kidney problems, while lower levels could indicate dehydration or muscle breakdown. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your overall health and medical history.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Creatinine levels can be affected by factors like dehydration, muscle mass, or certain medications. Chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, or heart failure are conditions that may lead to elevated levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing kidney disease, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring progression of conditions that impact kidney function. It’s also used to assess kidney function before surgeries or procedures.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my creatinine level be checked regularly?
Could my diet affect this test?
What if my results are out of the normal range?
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