Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle breakdown, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
["A creatinine test helps evaluate kidney function and detect early kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42313-7
- Short code
- XR Ribs-L 1V
- Synonyms
- XR Ribs-L 1V
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr
- 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 This Test Matters
Your kidneys normally filter waste products, including creatinine, from your blood. High levels can indicate poor kidney function or damage, while low levels may suggest overhydration or other conditions. This test is often used alongside other measures, like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), to assess kidney health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before testing if your doctor specifies it. Avoid excessive alcohol or certain medications that could affect results. Hydration levels may also be considered if your doctor requests it.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High creatinine levels may signal kidney disease, dehydration, or conditions like heart failure or muscle disorders. Low levels might suggest dehydration, overhydration, or certain liver or muscle conditions. Always discuss symptoms or recent changes with your healthcare provider.
How Results Are Used in Care
Doctors use creatinine levels to monitor kidney function over time, guide treatment plans, and detect early kidney problems. It’s often part of a broader panel that includes other blood or urine tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing kidney disease, monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and ensuring proper treatment adjustments. It helps prevent complications by identifying issues early.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
What triggers a creatinine test?
How long does it take to get results?
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