24-Hour Creatinine Clearance (from urine)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products, specifically creatinine, over a full day. It helps assess kidney function and blood pressure management.
["This test helps doctors check how well your kidneys are working and if your blood pressure is under control."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44418-2
- Short code
- VMA/Creatine 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- VMA/Creatine 24h Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism that kidneys normally filter out of your blood. This test looks at how much creatinine appears in your urine over 24 hours to estimate how efficiently your kidneys are working. It also helps evaluate how well your kidneys are removing waste from your bloodstream.
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or frequent urination, or if you have a history of kidney disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. It’s also used to monitor kidney function before surgeries or treatments.
What Should You Expect?
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting right after you wake up and ending right before you go back to bed. Store the urine in a container at room temperature and bring the full sample to your lab visit. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
How Is This Test Performed?
No special preparation is needed, but you should avoid certain medications or foods that might affect results. Your doctor will provide clear instructions on timing and collection. The urine sample is tested in a lab to measure creatinine concentration and volume.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low creatinine clearance may indicate kidney damage or disease, while high values could suggest dehydration or kidney problems. It’s also useful for monitoring blood pressure medications, especially those that affect kidney function. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications and guides treatment decisions.
Short name
24h CrCl
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel any discomfort during this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink normally before 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