Urea and Electrolytes and Their Importance in Kidney Health
Urea and electrolytes are vital components for assessing kidney function and the body’s overall balance. Here’s what they measure and how to interpret abnormal results:
- Urea:
- Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism in the liver, and it is excreted through the kidneys.
- Normal Range: 2.5–7.1 mmol/L.
- Elevated Urea: This can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or a high-protein diet.
- Low Urea: This might suggest malnutrition or liver disease.
- Electrolytes:
- Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, play crucial roles in fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling.
- Normal Ranges:
- Sodium: 135–145 mmol/L.
- Potassium: 3.5–5.0 mmol/L.
- Chloride: 96–106 mmol/L.
- Abnormal Levels:
- High sodium (hypernatremia) may suggest dehydration, while low sodium (hyponatremia) can indicate kidney dysfunction or excessive water intake.
- High potassium (hyperkalemia) may signal kidney failure, while low potassium (hypokalemia) could result from dehydration or diuretic use.
- Why It Matters:
- Monitoring urea and electrolytes can reveal early signs of kidney problems or imbalances in fluid and electrolyte regulation. This information is critical in managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure, or even dehydration.
Recommended Tests
- Creatinine Blood Test
Creatinine is another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels of creatinine, along with high urea, provide a clearer indication of impaired kidney function.
Creatinine Test - Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
The eGFR test estimates how well your kidneys filter waste from the blood. It is often combined with urea and electrolyte tests to give a comprehensive assessment of kidney health.
eGFR Test
