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Serum or Plasma Creatinine Concentration (Mass)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in your blood or plasma. It helps assess kidney function.

Quick summary

["Kidney function check via creatinine levels."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57497-0
Short code
11DC 1D p Dex SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
11DC 1D p Dex SerPl-mCnc
Category
hormone
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate kidney health, monitor kidney disease progression, or check for kidney damage. It’s often used alongside other tests to assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.

What Does a High or Low Level Mean?

Higher-than-normal levels may indicate reduced kidney function or damage, while lower levels could suggest dehydration, muscle loss, or certain medical conditions. However, results alone aren’t diagnostic—your provider will consider other factors.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure creatinine concentration using a specialized method, such as enzymatic or nephelometric techniques.

What Should You Do Before the Test?

Avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activity 24 hours before the test. Stay hydrated unless instructed otherwise, as dehydration can affect results. Also, inform your provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking, especially those that may impact kidney function.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Creatinine Level

Frequently asked questions

How does creatinine relate to kidney health?
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels often signal impaired kidney function, but they can also be influenced by factors like muscle mass, hydration status, or certain medications. Your provider may use it alongside other tests, like urine protein or glomerular filtration rate (GFR), to assess kidney health.
Can diet affect creatinine test results?
Dietary changes that significantly increase protein intake (e.g., high-protein meals) may temporarily raise creatinine levels, but this effect is usually short-term. Avoid extreme dietary shifts before testing unless advised by your provider.
What if my creatinine level is abnormal?
If your results are outside the expected range, your healthcare provider will review them with you and may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan. Follow-up visits can help monitor changes over time.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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