Serum Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration) via Enzymatic Method
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood serum. It helps assess kidney function by checking how well your kidneys filter blood.
["A creatinine test helps evaluate kidney health and filter function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108300-5
- Short code
- VMA/Creatine Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- VMA/Creatine Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle breakdown and is normally filtered out by your kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine levels in your blood can rise. This test is a key part of checking for kidney disease or damage.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a lab. There, enzymes detect the creatinine levels in your serum. The result tells your healthcare provider how well your kidneys are working.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may have no special preparation needed, but let your doctor know if you’re taking certain medications or have conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Avoid strenuous activity before the test.
Possible Results and Next Steps
Results may be compared to a reference range (if provided) to see if your levels are normal or if further testing is needed. High levels might indicate kidney problems, while very low levels could suggest muscle disorders or errors in testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Creatinine Level (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high creatinine level mean?
Low creatinine levels may suggest muscle atrophy, malnutrition, or errors in lab testing. However, this is less common and usually requires further investigation by your healthcare provider.
Dietary changes, such as eating more protein, can temporarily raise creatinine levels. However, your doctor will consider overall health and other factors when interpreting results.
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