Urea & Electrolytes

The Urea & Electrolytes profile is a core biochemistry panel used to assess kidney function, fluid balance and electrolyte status. It is one of the most frequently requested blood tests in both routine and acute care, and is suitable for anyone investigating fatigue, thirst, swelling, muscle cramps, confusion, or monitoring a known kidney, heart or metabolic condition. It is also widely used to check the safety of medicines that affect kidney function or electrolyte levels, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors and lithium.

The panel is analysed in our clinical biochemistry laboratory using validated automated spectrophotometric and ion-selective electrode methods, delivering rapid and reliable results.

Kidney Function
- Creatinine: a waste product from muscle breakdown, used to estimate how efficiently the kidneys are filtering blood.
- Urea: a waste product from protein metabolism, reflecting kidney excretion and hydration status.
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): the nitrogen component of urea, reported alongside urea to support kidney and hydration assessment.

Electrolytes & Minerals
- Sodium (Na+): the principal electrolyte controlling fluid balance, nerve function and blood pressure.
- Potassium (K+): essential for heart rhythm, muscle contraction and nerve signalling.
- Calcium (Ca2+): supports bone health, clotting, nerve and muscle function.
- Magnesium (Mg2+): involved in energy production, muscle and nerve function, and enzyme activity.
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-): a key buffer helping to maintain the body's acid-base balance.
- Chloride (Cl-): works with sodium to maintain fluid balance and acid-base status.
- Phosphate (P): important for bone mineralisation, energy metabolism and cellular function.

Why it matters
Electrolyte and kidney markers can shift silently, often before symptoms appear. Early detection of imbalances allows timely clinical intervention, helps prevent complications from dehydration, medication side effects or undiagnosed kidney disease, and supports safe, informed management of long-term conditions. This panel gives you and your clinician a clear, actionable snapshot of your internal chemistry.