Urea and Electrolytes Blood Test
Your kidneys are a pair of organs designed to maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. They also perform the important function of removing excess water and soluble wastes from the body to protect it from toxicity. To test the proper functioning of the kidneys, doctors often request for laboratory exams that include a urinalysis as well as urea and electrolytes blood test. Learn more about these tests and how they can help evaluate your kidney function.
Part 1: Urea and Electrolytes Blood Test, Why Is It Important?
Blood and urine tests are among the most commonly requested laboratory tests. These tests provide useful information about many aspects of your health. To understand why a urea and electrolytes blood test is important, it is best to know the basics of kidney function and what this test is all about.
The kidneys process about five liters of blood …show more content…
Other conditions that can cause an increase in BUN-creatinine ratio include kidney stones, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding. A low ratio can occur in liver disease, pregnancy, or a low protein diet
.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Although a urea and electrolytes blood test is useful, the ultimate test for kidney function is the glomerular filtration rate, which measures the rate at which your blood is filtered by the kidneys to produce urine. GFR slowly falls with age, but if you are healthy, it should not be a problem. A GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months is a sign of chronic kidney disease. If your GFR is lower than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 you may have kidney failure, which requires immediate attention.
Although GFR was previously evaluated by collecting a 24-hour urine sample, now it is quickly estimated (eGFR) by using equations. This process uses data from your weight, age and sex, as well as your serum creatinine values.
3.
Your kidneys are a pair of organs designed to maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. They also perform the important function of removing excess water and soluble wastes from the body to protect it from toxicity. To test the proper functioning of the kidneys, doctors often request for laboratory exams that include a urinalysis as well as urea and electrolytes blood test. Learn more about these tests and how they can help evaluate your kidney function.
Part 1: Urea and Electrolytes Blood Test, Why Is It Important?
Blood and urine tests are among the most commonly requested laboratory tests. These tests provide useful information about many aspects of your health. To understand why a urea and electrolytes blood test is important, it is best to know the basics of kidney function and what this test is all about.
The kidneys process about five liters of blood …show more content…
Other conditions that can cause an increase in BUN-creatinine ratio include kidney stones, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding. A low ratio can occur in liver disease, pregnancy, or a low protein diet
.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Although a urea and electrolytes blood test is useful, the ultimate test for kidney function is the glomerular filtration rate, which measures the rate at which your blood is filtered by the kidneys to produce urine. GFR slowly falls with age, but if you are healthy, it should not be a problem. A GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months is a sign of chronic kidney disease. If your GFR is lower than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 you may have kidney failure, which requires immediate attention.
Although GFR was previously evaluated by collecting a 24-hour urine sample, now it is quickly estimated (eGFR) by using equations. This process uses data from your weight, age and sex, as well as your serum creatinine values.
3.