Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Standard Method)
This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.
["A key indicator of kidney function and overall kidney health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26254-3
- Short code
- XR tomo IAC-L
- Synonyms
- XR tomo IAC-L
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 98
- Ref high
- 107
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr-tomography
- CPT
- 82435
- SNOMED
- 110743000
- 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 Your Kidneys Matter
Creatinine is a natural byproduct of muscle breakdown and is normally filtered out of your blood by your kidneys. When kidney function declines, creatinine levels can rise, indicating impaired filtering. This test helps doctors monitor kidney health, especially in people with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or those taking medications that may affect kidney function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, or if testing urine, you’ll collect a sample in a container. If you’re on a low-protein diet or have recently exercised heavily, let your healthcare provider know—these can temporarily affect creatinine levels.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High creatinine levels may suggest kidney problems, dehydration, or conditions like heart failure or muscle disorders. Low levels could indicate overhydration, liver disease, or certain medications. Always discuss any concerns with your doctor.
How This Test Helps Your Doctor
Your doctor uses creatinine levels to track kidney function over time, diagnose kidney disease, or evaluate how well treatments are working. It’s often used alongside other tests, like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), to get a full picture of kidney health.
Reference range
Adult: 98-107 mmol/LN/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.
Creatinine levels can help detect early kidney damage, monitor progression of kidney disease, and guide decisions about medications or therapies. It’s also useful in diagnosing conditions like acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.
Short name
Creatinine Level
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the blood draw?
Can diet affect my creatinine test results?
What if my creatinine level is outside the normal range?
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