Urea is a waste product from protein metabolism which is excreted via the urine. The amount of urea in the blood can determine the renal function and, in some cases, liver function and dietary protein intake. However, healthcare professionals often recommend blood creatinine testing and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGRF) to assess renal function.
High urea levels in the blood often suggest bad renal function, mostly damage in both kidneys resulting in chronic or acute renal failure. Elevated urea levels may also result from conditions that restrict blood flow to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, dehydration, major stress, shock, or urinary flow obstruction.
In rare cases, urea levels may indicate accelerated protein breakdown (intracellular digestion), digestive bleeding (blood protein reabsorption in the intestine) or a significant increase in dietary protein intake. Some medications also increase urea levels in the blood.
Low urea levels do not usually have clinical significance, but they may also show severe liver disease, excess water in the blood or malnutrition.
We also offer urea and other tests to assess renal function. You can visit us at Suite E, 117a Harley St, Marylebone, London, W1G 6AT or call 02071830244 to book an appointment for your urea test.