Urine Creatinine-to-Creatinine Clearance Ratio (24-hour collection)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood by comparing urine and blood creatinine levels over 24 hours. It helps assess kidney function and blood flow.
["Assesses kidney function and blood flow over a full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44233-5
- Short code
- NM Kidney Views WO+W Tc99mDTPA IV
- Synonyms
- NM Kidney Views WO+W Tc99mDTPA IV
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- nm
- 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect kidney disease, evaluate chronic kidney conditions, or check for issues like dehydration, heart problems, or certain medications affecting kidney function. It’s also used to monitor kidney health in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine for 24 hours in a special container. Blood is drawn at the start and end of the collection period to measure creatinine levels in both urine and blood. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism that kidneys filter out.
Sample Collection Process
To collect urine, empty your bladder completely before starting, then use the container to catch all urine for the full 24 hours. Label the container with your name, date, and time. Avoid using toilet paper or sanitary products in the urine. Blood samples are taken by a healthcare provider at the start and end of the period.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but drink plenty of fluids the day before to ensure normal urine output. Avoid excessive alcohol or certain medications that could affect kidney function. Wear comfortable clothing and plan for a full day of urine collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps diagnose kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), by measuring how well your kidneys filter waste. Low results may indicate poor kidney function or blockages, while high results could suggest dehydration or overhydration. It’s particularly useful for monitoring kidney health in people with diabetes or high blood pressure, as these conditions often affect kidney function.
Short name
Urine Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
What does a low urine creatinine clearance mean?
What if I miss any urine or blood samples during the collection?
Can I take medications during urine collection?
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