Laboratory Procedure Manual

Analyte: Urinary Creatinine

Matrix: Urine

Method: Beckman Synchron CX3 Clinical

Analyzer

Method No.:

Revised:

as performed by: University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Contact: Ms. Sue Kupscho

1-612-624-6153
Creatine in Urine
NHANES 1999–2000

Public Release Data Set Information

This document details the Lab Protocol for NHANES 1999–2000 data.

A tabular list of the released analytes follows:

Lab
Number Analyte SAS Label

URXUCR Creatinine, urine (mg/dL)

lab16
URXUCRSI Creatinine, urine (umol/L)

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1. SUMMARY OF TEST PRINCIPLE AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A Jaffé rate reaction, in which creatinine reacts with picrate in an alkaline solution to form a red creatinine-
picrate complex, is used for creatinine analysis and is measured with a CX3 analyzer. The rate of the color
development is measured 25.6 seconds after sample injection at 520 nm and at 560 nm. The rate
difference between the two wavelengths is proportional to the concentration of creatinine in the reaction
cup. The procedures described below are included in the standard protocols of the Fairview University
Medical Center (1-5).
Creatinine is the waste product derived from muscle creatine and is released into the blood at a relatively
constant rate. The amount of creatinine per unit of muscle mass is constant; therefore, increased blood
creatinine is the best indicator of impaired kidney function. Measurements of blood creatinine (and also
blood urea nitrogen) are used primarily to assess renal function. The ratio of urine albumin to urine
creatinine is used to predict nephropathy risk in diabetic patients. (For the NHANES IV survey urine
creatinine is used as a reference analyte against which other urine analytes are measured such as
pesticides and heavy metals and for urine albumin/creatinine ratio).

2. SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A. Follow all procedures and policies in the Fairview University Medical Center Laboratory Safety
Manual, including the Universal Blood and Body Substance Technique (UBBST). Consider all
specimens received for analysis potentially positive for infectious agents.
B. Wear gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses while handling all specimens. Dispose analyzed specimens
and contaminated supplies in autoclave/biohazard bags; seal and autoclave. Wipe all work surfaces
with disinfectant solution.
C. Recommend to laboratory personnel performing the assay that they receive the HBV vaccine.
Maintain records of vaccination or signed declination forms.
D. Label all reagents indicating the preparation date, expiration date, formula, lot number if applicable,
hazards of the reagent, antidote of contact with hazard, and the initials of the technician.
E. Note the location of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for picric acid, sodium hypochlorite, and
ethanol: room UH3-555 CC1 paperwork area.
F. Use special care when handling picric acid. Avoid contact with skin. Flush with copious amounts of
water any spills and reagent bottles before disposing.

3. COMPUTERIZATION; DATA SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

A. COMPUTERIZATION
The CX3 analyzer evaluates calibration against preset ranges and is programmed for the analysis of
controls and test specimens. The results are printed when all the samples that were programmed are
completed. Results are reported from the CX3 analyzer in mg/dL.

B. DATA SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

The integrity of specimen identification is maintained through a two-step verification process. A
collection list and specimens in numbered analyzer cups that corresponds to NHANES IV specimen
identification is obtained from the Microalbumin Laboratory. This corresponding specimen number is
entered in the CX3. The CX3 printout results are entered manually onto the collection list. A
technologist reviews result data prior to result verification and release. NHANES IV results are
available to the Microalbumin Laboratory within 36 hours via hard copy. The electronic transmission of
results to NHANES IV is the responsibility of the Microalbumin Laboratory. Storage of the original CX3
printouts are located near the instrument. The data is stored on the computer drive, organized in
notebooks, and located in the Microalbumin Laboratory.

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4. SPECIMEN COLLECTION, STORAGE, AND HANDLING PROCEDURES; CRITERIA FOR

SPECIMEN REJECTION

A. SPECIMEN COLLECTION PROCEDURE

(1) Timed or random urine collections are obtained from study subjects as per study protocols.
(2) No special instructions such as fasting or special diets are requested.
(3) The optimum specimen volume is 1 mL, and the minimum acceptable volume is 75 µL.
(4) For the NHANES IV survey 250 µL of urine in 0.5–mL capped analyzer sample cups is received
from the Microalbumin Laboratory for creatinine analysis. A collection list accompanies all
specimens.

B. SPECIMEN STORAGE PROCEDURE

(1) Store aliquots in analyzer sample cups at 2–8°C until analysis.
(2) Complete analysis within 36 hours of receipt.
(3) Discard specimens after analysis.

C. SPECIMEN HANDLING PROCEDURE

(1) Handle all urine specimens as if they are capable of transmitting any infectious agent.
(2) Record notation of unusual appearance such as blood, precipitate, or color prior to analysis.

D. CRITERIA FOR SPECIMEN REJECTION

(1) Corrupted specimen integrity; cracked or leaking tube, unreadable or missing label.
(2) Note: Angiogram/IVP dyes do not interfere with analysis.
(3) Note: Acidified urine specimens are acceptable.

5. PROCEDURES FOR MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS; CRITERIA FOR REJECTION OF

INADEQUATELY PREPARED SLIDES
Not applicable for this procedure.

6. EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION, MATERIALS, REAGENT PREPARATION, CALIBRATORS

(STANDARDS), AND CONTROLS

A. EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION

(1) Milli-Q deionized water system (Millipore Corporation, San Antonio, TX).
(2) Beckman Synchron CX3 clinical analyzer (Beckman Instruments, Inc., Brea, CA). Hot Line 1-800-
854-3633; Field Service 1-800-345-0424.

B. MATERIALS

(1) Type 1 water, deionized and distilled, Milli-Q (Millipore).

(2) Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution 5% (v/v), cat. no. CX23880 (C295 Mayo Storeroom,
Minneapolis, MN). Stable indefinitely at 20–25°C. Store for 2 years. CAUTION: Corrosive and
irritant.
(3) Ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) 95% (v/v), 1-L bottle, (L265 Solvent Storage Room). Store supply in
flammable section under UH3-555 hood. Stable indefinitely at 20–25°C. Store for 2 years.
CAUTION: Flammable.

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(4) Wash solution concentrate, 6 x 250-mL kit, cat. no. 443335 (Beckman Instruments, Inc.).
Contains bacteriostat and other nonreactive ingredients. Store at 20–25°C until expiration date.
(5) Creatinine Reagent (contains two components to be mixed: 0.05 mol/L picric acid and alkaline
buffer 0.188 mol/L sodium hydroxide (NaOH) buffered with sodium borate (Na2B4O7), sodium
phosphate (NaH2PO4) and other nonreactive ingredients, 3 x 2000-mL kit, cat. no. 443340
(Beckman Instruments, Inc.). Store at 20–25°C until expiration date.

CAUTION: Avoid contact with skin. If spilled, flush with copious mounts of water.

(6) Analyzer sample cups, polystyrene, conical, 0.5-mL capacity, 1000 cups/bag, cat. no. 339-788
(Curtin-Matheson Scientific, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN).
(7) Syringe, sterile 5-cc disposable, 100/pkg, cat. no. 301603 (Becton-Dickinson, Inc., Franklin
Lakes, NJ).
(8) Luer-tip cap, 10/pkg (Becton-Dickinson, Inc.).
(9) General laboratory supplies: gloves, lab coats, safety glasses, disinfectant, autoclave bags,
transfer pipettes (C295 Mayo Storeroom).
(10) Calibrator I, cat. no. 443360, and Calibrator II, cat. no. 443365 (Beckman Instruments, Inc). Store
at 2-8 °C unopened until expiration date.
(11) Moni-Trol XL Levels 1 and 2 liquid chemistry controls, cat. no. B5120-1 and B5120-2 (Dade
International, Inc., Miami, FL). Store at -20 °C unopened and protected from light until expiration
date.
(12) Lyphochek Level I quantitative human urine control, item no. C-390-10 (Bio-Rad, Richmond, CA).
Store the lyophilized product at 2-8 °C unopened until expiration date.
(13) Creatinine Reference Material, NIST SRM 914A (National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, MD).

C. REAGENT PREPARATION

(1) Wash Solution

(a) Dilute 250 mL of wash concentrate to 10 L with Type 1 water. Mix well, then cap loosely to
degas the solution for 24 hours prior to use. Store at 20–25 °C for 1 month.
(b) After using the wash solution bottle, rinse it with 70% ethanol, followed by Type 1 water.
Allow the bottle to dry completely before re-using.
(2) Creatinine Reagent
Add picric acid bottle to buffer diluent. Degas for 2-4 hours (leave the cover off). Store at 20–25
°C for 1 month.

CAUTION: Avoid contact with skin. If spilled, flush with copious mounts of water.

(3) Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution, 2% (v/v)

Dilute 400 mL of 5% bleach to 1 L with Type 1 water. Store at 20–25 °C for 2 years.

CAUTION: Corrosive and irritant.

(4) Ethyl alcohol 70% (v/v)

Dilute 700 mL of 95% ethyl alcohol to 1 L with Type 1 water. Store at 20–25 °C for 2 years.

CAUTION: Flammable.

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D. CALIBRATORS (Standards)
(1) Standard line calibration material: aqueous creatinine calibrator
(2) The calibrators are ready-to-use. Store at 20–25 °C after date of opening for 1 month. Perform
a comparability study for new lot numbers of calibrators:
(a) Calibrate using the current (old) lot of calibrators.
(b) Run the current and new lot numbers of aqueous calibrators (i.e., alternating between them)
five times each.
(c) Average the result of each lot number.
(d) Divide the average of the new lot number by the average of the old lot number and multiply
by 100.
(e) The acceptable limit is 100 ± 1%.
(3) Return calibrators to the manufacturer for replacement with a different lot if the results of
calibrator comparisons are not within the acceptable limit.
(4) Primary standard reference material. The primary calibration standard is “NIST SRM 914A
Creatinine”. Calibrators I and II are referenced against this material.

E. CONTROLS
(1) Four levels of commercially prepared control material are used for quality control. The
approximate creatinine concentrations of these four levels are 1, 5, 20, and 100 mg/dL.
(2) Quality control material for concentrations 1 and 5 mg/dL are serum control: Moni-Trol XL liquid
chemistry control Levels 1 and 2, respectively
(3) Follow the instructions in the package inserts. Thaw one bottle, mix, and store the material at 2–
8°C. in the dark for 14 days. Dispense aliquots as needed for analysis.
(4) Quality control material for 20 and 100 mg/dL are urine control: Lyphochek Level I used at dilution
1:5 and 1:1, respectively.
(5) Follow the instructions in the package inserts. Reconstitute each vial with 10.0 mL of Type 1
water. Allow the solution to stand for at least 15 minutes, swirling occasionally and gently
inverting the vial several times to ensure homogeneity. Aliquot the entire vial contents into 0.5-mL
analyzer sample cups, cap the cups, and freeze at –20°C for up to 1 month. Thaw aliquots as
needed for analysis. Once the control is reconstituted it is stable for 5 days when stored tightly
capped at 2–8 °C.

7. CALIBRATION AND CALIBRATION VERIFICATION PROCEDURES

A. Calibration Procedure
(1) For each assay calibrate the CX3 analyzer. Calibrators I and II have creatinine concentrations of,
5 mg/dL and 0 mg/dL, respectively. They are used to prepare a linearized 2-point standard curve
with a range of 0 to 400 mg/dL. To calibrate creatinine, place fresh cups of Calibrators I and II in
cup positions 1 and 2, respectively. Press CAL. From the master screen, select the following
menu items: F3 (CAL), F1 (REQUEST CAL), and enter the analytes to be calibrated: select
CREATININE. The CX3 primes each channel twice, then samples and analyzes each calibration
solution at least twice. The CX3 evaluates the calibration by comparing the analog-digital count
(ADC) number to the preset ranges.

(2) The instrument evaluates calibration against the preset ranges as shown in Table 1.

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Table 1. Acceptable Ranges for Calibrators

Parameter ADC Range

Calibrator I –530 to –300

Calibrator II –25 to 25
Span of Calibrator I and II ≥250
Difference of duplicates for ≤16
each calibrator

(3) If an analyte is imprecise, a third or fourth replicate of the standard will be measured. If any
calibration fails, the beeper alarm will sound.
(4) If calibration is interrupted, the beeper alarm will sound. Press the STATUS button for a message
explaining the interruption. Press the HOME button and, when the green light quits flashing,
proceed with a new calibration. Acceptable range, precision, and sensitivity limits for ADC
numbers are found under F3(CAL), F3(CAL DATA DISPLAY).
(5) Creatinine calibration lasts 8 hours. If the reagent is replaced or maintenance/troubleshooting is
performed, prime and recalibrate the instrument.

B. CALIBRATION VERIFICATION PROCEDURE

(1) Verify the validity of new standards with a minimum of five overlapping assays performed with
existing standards. When quality control values in all five assays using the new standard lots
meet acceptable criteria, the new standards are included in assay runs.
(2) Verify that the 4 quality control samples are within the expected 95% limits as described by
Westgard rules.
(3) Verify against “NIST SRM 914A Creatinine”, a reference material of known value.

8. PROCEDURE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS; CALCULATIONS; INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

A. PROCEDURE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Preliminaries on the assay day
(a) Record reagent dates and lot numbers and perform daily start-up maintenance:
(b) Check reagent levels.
(c) Check drain lines. Dispose of waste.
(d) Check the red heater lamp on the creatinine module; the heater lamp lights when the module
reaches the correct temperature.
(e) Check the source lamp on the creatinine module and check for bubbles in the creatinine
module.
(f) Prime the chemistries and check the following:
(i) Inspect the reagent and drain lines for crimps, loose connections or leaks.
(ii) Observe peri-pump action.
(iii) Determine that the reaction cups are draining, filling, sipping and stirring properly.
(iv) Verify the up/down movement of the ratio pump. Check for excess bubbles in the ratio
pump chambers. To remove bubbles from a chamber:

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▪ F4 (Special Function)
▪ F2 (Prime)
▪ F3 (Ratio Pump)
▪ Press ENTER
▪ Then enter the number of primes and press ENTER.

(v) While the pump is in the downward motion, clamp off the even number tube to the
desired chamber.
(vi) When the pump almost reaches the bottom release the clamp. The bubbles should be
dislodged and exit the odd number tubing when the pump moves upward.
(2) Sample Preparation on the assay day
Uncap analyzer sample cups and place in analyzer. Do not mix.
(3) Instrument Setup on the assay day
Set up and calibrate the CX3 analyzer for creatinine as described in section 7.
(4) Operation of Assay Procedure
(a) Pipette 50 µL of control or test specimens into analyzer sample cups. To prevent
evaporation, do not load more than five samples in advance. Cups are sampled every 60
sec when all tests are requested.
(b) To program the tray, press F1 (SAMPLE PROGRAM) to enter the tray number. Cups 1-80
are available for test programming.
(c) To program the analysis of controls, enter the control "number" under SAMPLE ID, enter
"creatinine" under CHEMISTRIES, enter "control" under SAMPLE TYPE. Analyze two levels
of serum controls after each calibration to verify the calibration. Analyze urine controls
whenever urine unknowns are analyzed. Analyze one of the four levels of control after a
minimum of 10-15 samples alternating them throughout the run.
(d) To program the analysis of specimens, enter the specimen number, press ENTER,
CREATININE, ENTER, URINE. If an error is made, press CLEAR to clear the entire line.
(e) When five specimens are programmed, press F8 to return to the master screen, press
START. To continue programming as specimens are analyzed, repeat steps 2–4.
(f) When the CX3 completes all samples programmed on a tray, the message "Program for this
tray completed" is displayed, the results are printed and the instrument returns to standby
mode.
(g) The instrument has memory for two trays. To clear a completed tray from the master screen,
press CLEAR, then enter tray number to be cleared. Trays are identified as 1–99.
(h) Record all dilution factors or any pertinent specimen information on the protocol pages.
Results of duplicate tests of sample urine specimens should be within 4 mg/dL. Report the
original result rather than averaging two results when duplicate results are within 4 mg/dL.
(i) Recap analyzer sample cups immediately to maintain sample integrity for repeat analysis, if
needed.
(5) Replacement and Periodic Maintenance of Key Components
(a) CX3 Analyzer - Weekly Maintenance
(i) Clean sample trays and covers, also the chemistry cup area with disinfectant.
(ii) Clean the creatinine cup and stirrer with Type 1 water. (Operator's Manual, Para. 5.4.4).
(iii) Inspect the in-line filters and reverse flush with Type 1 water. (Operator's Manual, Para.
5.3.3).
▪ Press STOP to prevent auto prime.

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▪ Remove filter and perform reverse flush if necessary.

▪ Replace the filters at least every 8 weeks or when debris cannot be removed.
Replace filters with arrows pointing upward.
▪ Press HOME.
(iv) Move the tubing in the E and C pinch valves slightly right or left. Massage the tubing
while moving. (Operator's Manual, Paragraph. 5.3.4). Note: The CX3 should be in the E
cam maintenance screen. Loosen only one bar at a time.
(b) CX3 Analyzer - Periodic Maintenance
(i) Perform 4-, 8-, and 12-week maintenance as directed in the operators manual.
(ii) Refer to the CX3 Operating and Service instructions for troubleshooting procedures.
Further assistance can be obtained from the Beckman Hotline (1-800-854-3633) or
Beckman Field Service (1-800-845-0424).
(iii) Notes: Never place metal objects in the creatinine analysis cup and be careful when
removing the stirrer as the optical surfaces facing the cup are easily scratched.
(c) Pipettors - Periodic Maintenance
Calibrate and clean all pipettors every 6 months. Pipettors not conforming to specifications
are autoclaved and mailed for recalibration in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. Calibration records are kept for each pipettor by serial number.

B. CALCULATIONS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The CX3 analyzer is programmed to compute a linearized 2-point standard curve and with a range of
0–400 mg/dL. Test results and qc levels are reported from the CX3 in mg/dL. Recorded values for the
4 quality control samples on the Levey-Jennings charts determine satisfactory assay performance.

9. REPORTABLE RANGE OF RESULTS

A. The range of linearity for urine creatinine analysis is 0–400 mg/dL.

B. Reanalyze urine specimens with values <10 mg/dL on the serum channel.
C. Reanalyze urine specimens that have creatinine results >400 mg/dL after dilution with Type 1 water.
D. Report values <1.0 mg/dL as <1 mg/dL.
E. The lower limit of detection for the assay is 1 mg/dL; there is no upper limit of detection. Therefore,
the“reportable range of results” is “1 mg/dL and up” or “≥ 1 mg/dL”.

10. QUALITY CONTROL (QC) PROCEDURES

A. Quality Control System

Internal QC procedures monitor analytical performance relative to medical goals and alert analysts to
unsatisfactory analytical performance. Estimates of imprecision and permanent confidence limits are
generated from 50-pair data or more (50 assay days) of four control pool levels. Calculated from the
50-pair data are the % CV (percent correlation of variance), the SDo (standard deviation overall), and
the duplicate range (average of the differences between duplicates, average R). Tolerance limits for
controls are established by using the Westgard Rules (5) as guidelines. The tolerance limits are
defined as the mean ±2 SDo, or 95% warning limit, and the mean ±3 SDo, or 99% action limit. When
new control urine pools are initiated into the assay, the new mean is established from 20-pair data (20
assay days) and analyzed with the older controls during this time period. Calculations from these 20-
pair (% CV, SDo, and duplicate range) are used only to monitor the 50-pair permanent confidence
limits. Four (low to high) range bench quality control pool samples are analyzed in each analytical run

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(a set of assays performed on a given day) so that judgments may be made on the day of analysis.
The four control samples are the same in all assays.

Prepare a Levey-Jennings Means Chart for each of the four urine pool levels. Chart the means and
tolerance limits on the graph paper. The four levels of control are each analyzed singly at the
beginning at the end of every assay run. Also, after every 10–12 unknown specimens one of the four
controls is analyzed, alternating throughout the assay run. The single value of each of the four levels
of control from either the beginning or the end of the assay run is reported to NHANES. Two or more
dots are plotted on the Levey-Jennings charts. On this chart highlight unacceptable control values and
action taken, document reagent changes and other pertinent information. Prepare a cumulative table
of duplicate values and the difference between duplicates for the four control urine samples. Highlight
unacceptable duplicates according to the within batch duplicate range (average R) tolerance limits and
make notation on the Levey-Jennings charts. If the assay is determined to be out of range, perform
function checks on the reagents and instrumentation. Provide assay results only after problems are
corrected. The Levey-Jennings charts are reviewed and signed daily by testing personnel and
quarterly by the clinical chemistry laboratory supervisor. (For NHANES IV, copies are mailed for
review by the project officer.)

The system is declared "out-of-control" if any of the following events occur on the Means Chart:

▪ A single run mean for one or more pools falls outside the upper or lower 99% limit.
▪ The run means for two or more pools fall either both above or both below the 95%
limit.
▪ Two successive run means for a single pool fall either both above or both below
the 95% limit.
▪ Eight successive run means for a single pool fall either all above or all below the
centerline, establishing a trend.

The system is declared "out-of-control" if any of the following events occur on the Range Table:

▪ A single within-run range falls above the upper 99% limit.

▪ The within-run ranges for two or more pools fall above the upper 95% limit.
▪ Two successive within-run ranges for a single pool fall above the upper 95% limit.
▪ Eight successive within-run ranges for a single pool fall above the center line.

B. Quality Assurance System

A “Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and Documentation” program is in effect for the laboratory.
General QA systems are in operation to detect errors, monitor tolerance limits on temperatures,
ensure proper reagent labeling and equipment maintenance. The laboratory ensures that samples are
collected, handled, shipped, preserved and stored correctly, and rejected if the criteria are not met.

C. External Proficiency Testing

College of American Pathologists (CAP) specimens are used for proficiency testing to evaluate assay
performance. Individual study protocols may include blinded split duplicate test specimens to
externally evaluate the assay performance. (For the NHANES IV, the laboratory monitors the inter-
assay variation by repeating 2% of the specimens from the previous assay.)

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D. ACCREDITATION
The laboratory is certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), the College of American
Pathologists (CAP), and the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

11. REMEDIAL ACTION IF CALIBRATION OR QC SYSTEMS FAIL TO MEET ACCEPTABLE CRITERIA

A. Discontinue testing until the problem is resolved and both calibration and QC meet acceptable criteria.
B. Report patient results only when runs are in statistical control.
C. Document all actions and information (i.e., reagent changes, instrument problems, etc.) relating to the
D. "out-of-control" run.

12. LIMITATIONS OF METHOD; INTERFERING SUBSTANCES AND CONDITIONS

A. FALSE-POSITIVE RESULTS
(1) Substances causing false positive creatinine results are; lithium bromide, acetoacetate, acetone,
glucose at levels 2000 mg/dL (it falsely elevates creatinine results by 25%), ammonium chloride,
M-dopa at levels 200 µg/mL (it falsely elevates creatinine results by 0.6 at a level of 2.0 mg/dL),
and sodium pyruvate.
(2) Acetoacetate levels of 0.25 mmol/L (normal = 0.05-0.15 mmol/L) This corresponds to a "trace-
positive" Ketostix (ketone screen) and will falsely elevate creatinine values by 0.8 mg/dL at a 2.0
mg/dL creatinine level. Creatinines should be analyzed on the VITROS for all samples with a
positive ketone screen. (Note, the VITROS procedure is not applicable for NHANES as results
from other analytes are unknown.)
(3) Acetone level of 100 mg/dL. Although this problem would be rarely encountered, acetone falsely
elevates creatinine value by 0.4 mg/dL at a 1.1 mg/dL creatinine level.
(4) Cephalosporin levels of 300 µg/mL This drug concentration will falsely elevate creatinine values
by 1.1–1.5 mg/dL at a 1.1 mg/dL creatinine level. Higher levels of cephalosporin will cause a
proportionally higher interference. (The current Physicians Desk Reference states that
cephalothin and cefoxitin concentrations >100 µg/mL may interfere with test results, and serum
samples should not be analyzed for creatinine if drawn within 2 hours of drug administration. It is
advisable that patients have their blood drawn for creatinine tests immediately before the next
dose of cephalosporin. Because of the potential interference, it is crucial to assess the BUN and
creatinine fluctuations and investigate further, as this is the only way to discover the problem.)

B. FALSE-NEGATIVE RESULTS
(1) Factors causing false negative creatinine results are gentistic acid at levels 20 mg/dL (it falsely
lowers creatinine results by 0.5 at a level of 2.2 mg/dL), bilirubin, lipemia, hemolysis, and L-dopa
at levels 250 µg/mL (it falsely lowers creatinine results by 0.6 at a level of 2.0 mg/dL).
(2) A hemoglobin level >750 mg/dL Gross hemolysis falsely lowers the creatinine level. See
Synchron advisory (2) for further list of substances interfering with Beckman Chemistries.
Specimens having listed interferences on the CX3 should be analyzed on the VITROS and
results reported. (Note, the VITROS procedure is not applicable for NHANES IV survey.)

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13. REFERENCE RANGES (NORMAL VALUES)

Although urine creatinine concentrations are very dependent upon skeletal muscle mass, approximate
normal ranges (based on 24-hour urine collections) are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Normal Ranges for Urine Creatinine

Age, years Range per day

2-3 6-22 mg/kg/d

4-16 12-30 mg/kg/d
>16, male 1.0-2.0 g/d
>16, female 0.8-1.8 g/d

14. CRITICAL CALL RESULTS (PANIC VALUES)

No medical intervention is indicated for unusual urine creatinine results on random urine specimens.

15. SPECIMEN STORAGE AND HANDLING DURING TESTING

Store specimens at 2–8°C until analysis. Specimens reach room temperature during analysis. Complete
testing within 36 hours of receipt in the laboratory.

16. ALTERNATE METHODS FOR PERFORMING TEST OR STORING SPECIMENS IF TEST SYSTEM
FAILS
The CX3 analyzer is exclusively used for analysis of NHANES IV survey urine creatinines. The VITROS
analyzer is used only for those specimens that are shown to contain substances that may interfere with the
CX3 chemistry. Therefore, the VITROS procedure is not applicable for NHANES IV as results from other
analytes are unknown to the laboratory.

In the event of instrument malfunction or unacceptable calibration or QC, samples are returned to 2–8°C. If
the system is inoperable >36 hours, fresh urine aliquots in analyzer sample cups are requested from the
Microalbumin Laboratory. Specimens in the original NHANES IV tubes may be refrozen until analysis is
possible.

17. TEST RESULT REPORTING SYSTEM; PROTOCOL FOR REPORTING CRITICAL CALLS (IF
APPLICABLE)

A. Results from the CX3 printout are hand-written onto the accompanying collection list and returned to
the Microalbumin Laboratory for electronic transmission to NHANES IV.
B. The creatinine test result is reported in mg/dL to the nearest whole number.

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18. TRANSFER OR REFERRAL OF SPECIMENS; PROCEDURES FOR SPECIMEN ACCOUNTABILITY AND

TRACKING
Shipments of frozen specimens are logged in upon receipt by the Microalbumin Laboratory. Aliquots in
analyzer sample cups and accompanying collection lists are transferred to the Creatinine Laboratory by the
Microalbumin Laboratory personnel. Specimens in the original tubes are re-frozen at –70°C and returned
on dry ice to the NHANES IV contract storage facility McKesson Bioservices by the Microalbumin
Laboratory. All notebooks, disks, and files containing raw data, final data, QC information, communications,
etc. are saved. These serve as documentation for specimen accountability and tracking.

19. SUMMARY STATISTICS AND QC GRAPHS

Summary Statistics for Urine Creatinine by Lot

Standard Coefficient
Lot N Start Date End Date Mean Deviation of Variation

MLX1-21 118 3/18/1999 8/24/2000 1.02 0.05 4.9

MLX3-21 118 3/18/1999 8/24/2000 5.54 0.11 1.9
9035072 1:5 62 3/18/1999 12/29/1999 20.79 0.52 2.5
9035072 1:1 62 3/18/1999 12/29/1999 102.39 1.83 1.8
62111 1:5 35 1/4/2000 5/25/2000 20.77 0.69 3.3
62111 1:1 35 1/4/2000 5/25/2000 102.03 2.31 2.3
BIORAD 1:5 49 6/1/2000 12/29/2000 20.45 0.96 4.7
BIORAD 1:1 49 6/1/2000 12/29/2000 101.43 2.39 2.4
UTO109-1 28 8/29/2000 12/29/2000 1.06 0.05 4.8
UTO109-2R 28 8/29/2000 12/29/2000 5.56 0.13 2.4

Page 13 of 14
Creatine in Urine
NHANES 1999–2000

1999-2000 Urine Creatinine Quality Control

120

110 Ciba 1:1 9035072 Biorad 1:1 62111 BIORAD 1:1

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30
Ciba 1:5 9035072 Biorad 1:5 62111 BIORAD 1:5
20

10 Dade MLX3- Dade UTO109-2R

Dade MLX1-21 Dade UTO109-
0
3/18/1999 6/1/1999 8/15/1999 10/29/1999 1/12/2000 3/27/2000 6/10/2000 8/24/2000 11/7/2000

REFERENCES

1. Operating and Service Instruction, Beckman Synchron CX3 Clinical System, Beckman Instruments,
Inc., 200 South Kraemer Blvd, Brea, CA 92621.
2. Advisor Synchron Users Club, Beckman Synchron CX3 Clinical System, Beckman Instruments, Inc.,
200 South Kraemer Blvd, Brea, CA 92621.
3. Tietz NW, editor, Textbook of clinical chemistry. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company, 1986:775–
1392.
4. Kaplan LA, Pesce AJ, editors, Clinical Chemistry Theory, Analysis and Correlation. St. Louis: CV
Mosby Company, 1984:416–1261.
5. Westgard JO, Carey RN, Wold S. Criteria for judging precision and accuracy in method development
and evaluation. Clin Chem. 1974;20:825–833.

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