title: Why do we test for urea electrolytes?
abstract: Urea and electrolytes are the most commonly requested biochemistry tests. They provide essential information on renal function, principally in excretion and homoeostasis. Creatinine levels are a major factor in determining the estimated glomerular filtration rate, which is the gold standard marker of kidney health. The tests' clinical value is in the diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to thrombosis and cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
authors.affiliation: City Hospital, Birmingham.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blann
mesh_terms: D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000451:nursing; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D014508:Urea / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D014508:Urea