Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["Kidney function and waste removal depend on this test."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7742-0
- Short code
- Tomato BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Synonyms
- Tomato BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- lhr
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Creatinine Used For?
Creatinine levels help doctors evaluate kidney function by checking how well your kidneys remove waste products from your blood. It’s often used alongside other tests to diagnose or monitor kidney disease, track kidney function over time, or assess the effects of certain medications or conditions on kidney health.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may order a creatinine test if you have symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine output; if you have a condition that could affect kidney function (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure); or if you’re taking medications that may impact kidney health. It’s also part of routine check-ups for certain high-risk groups.
How Is This Test Done?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure creatinine concentration. Plasma or serum (liquid part of blood) is used, depending on the lab’s standard procedure.
What Are Common Results and What Do They Mean?
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary by lab. High levels may suggest kidney problems, while low levels could indicate muscle loss or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Kidney Function and Disease Detection
Short name
Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What do my results mean if they’re outside the normal range?
Can diet or exercise affect creatinine levels?
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