24-Hour Creatinine Clearance (Urine-Based)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products from your blood over a 24-hour period using urine samples. It helps assess kidney function and blood pressure management.
["This test evaluates kidney efficiency and blood pressure control by tracking how well your kidneys remove creatinine from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56645-5
- Short code
- VMA/Creatine 24h Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- VMA/Creatine 24h Ur-Rto
- 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
Why This Test Matters
Your kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance. This test helps doctors determine if your kidneys are working properly and whether your blood pressure is well-controlled, which can affect kidney health.
How the Test Works
You’ll provide two urine samples: one at the start of the 24-hour period and one at the end. Blood may also be drawn to calculate your baseline creatinine level. The test compares how much creatinine is removed from your blood over time.
Sample Collection
Collect all urine for 24 hours in a clean container. Start and stop timing at the same time each day. If you miss any urine, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed, but drink enough fluids to produce urine throughout the day. Avoid excessive alcohol or certain medications that may affect kidney function.
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, poor kidney function, or conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. High clearance could suggest overhydration or kidney issues that need further evaluation. This test helps guide treatment plans for managing chronic kidney disease or hypertension.
Short name
Creatinine Clearance (Urine)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a low or high creatinine clearance mean?
Can I take my usual medications 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