Creatinine, Venous Blood — With Intravenous Contrast
This blood test measures creatinine to assess kidney filtering function before or after an intravenous contrast administration used for imaging.
["The test helps determine how well the kidneys are functioning when an IV contrast agent is being used or has recently been administered."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72548-1
- Short code
- RFA Guided Vein CVC rem--W contr IV
- Synonyms
- RFA Guided Vein CVC rem--W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rf-angio
- CPT
- 86430
- 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
What is this test?
Creatinine is a waste product made by the muscles and filtered by the kidneys. A venous blood creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood, which is used to estimate how well the kidneys are working.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered before an imaging study that uses intravenous contrast or when kidney function needs to be checked after contrast. The results may be compared over time to identify a change in kidney function.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein, and the laboratory measures the creatinine level. If testing is planned around an imaging procedure, the blood may be collected before and after the contrast is given, depending on the order.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided for your imaging procedure or blood draw. Inform the care team if you have kidney disease, are taking medicines such as metformin, or have received contrast recently, and do not change medicines unless your clinician advises you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated creatinine level may indicate reduced kidney filtering function, dehydration, certain medicines, or increased muscle mass. A change after intravenous contrast may be relevant to contrast-associated kidney injury, but a single result does not establish that condition. Results are best interpreted alongside prior values, hydration status, other laboratory tests, and the clinical situation.
Short name
IV contrast creatinine test
Frequently asked questions
Why is creatinine checked when I receive IV contrast?
Does an abnormal creatinine result mean I had a reaction to the contrast?
Will I need another creatinine test later?
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