Definition

The creatinine urine test measures the amount of creatinine in urine. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working.

Creatinine can also be measured by a blood test.

Alternative Names

Urine creatinine test

How the Test is Performed

After you provide a urine sample, it is tested in the lab. If needed, your doctor may ask you to collect your urine . Your health care provider will tell you how to do this. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain medicines that may affect test results. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take. These include:

• Antibiotics such as cefoxitin or trimethoprim
• Cimetidine

DO NOT stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider.

How the Test will Feel

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

Creatinine is a chemical waste product of creatine. Creatine is a chemical the body makes to supply energy, mainly to muscles.

This test is done to see how well your kidneys work. Creatinine is removed by the body entirely by the kidneys. If kidney function is not normal, creatinine level in your urine decreases.

This test can be used for the following:

• To evaluate how well the kidneys are working
• As part of the creatinine clearance test
• To provide information on other chemicals in the urine, such as albumin or protein