What is it?
Urea is produced by your liver and is a waste product of proteins being broken down. As most body waste, it is cleared from your blood by the kidneys. Therefore, we can use this measurement as a measurement of your kidney function.
Reference ranges
If your indicative Urea level is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:
Low urea levels are uncommon and are not generally a cause for concern by itself. It can be seen when malnutrition is present or a severe liver disease, but this would manifest itself through other symptoms. Low urea levels are also common in normal pregnancy.
If you are concerned or are experiencing symptoms, your should discuss these results with your GP.
If your indicative Urea level is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:
It may be a sign of a very high protein diet or dehydration at the time of the test (which is why we recommend plenty of water before blood sample!).
It can also mean a sign of kidney desease and should be checked out.
Please discuss this result with your GP.
