Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Substance 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 via creatinine levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110747-3
- Short code
- SLEV IgM Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- SLEV IgM 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to evaluate kidney health, diagnose kidney disease, or monitor kidney function in people with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s also used to check how well dialysis is working or to guide treatment decisions for certain medications.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic panel. Drink plenty of water the day before to help dilute urine if you’re having a urine-based test (though this test is blood-based).
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood from a vein, usually in your arm. The process is quick and typically painless. You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but it usually doesn’t cause long-term discomfort.
What Are the Results Mean?
Higher than expected levels may indicate poor kidney function, while lower levels could suggest overhydration, muscle breakdown, or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your overall health and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Creatinine levels are a key marker for kidney function because it’s directly linked to how well blood is filtered. Elevated levels often signal reduced kidney function, which can be an early sign of kidney disease. It’s also used alongside other tests (like blood urea nitrogen) to assess kidney health and guide treatment plans for chronic conditions.
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What causes creatinine levels to be higher than normal?
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