Kidney & Electrolytes
Urea (Plasma)
Kidney & Electrolytes
Waste product filtered by kidneys. Elevated in kidney dysfunction and dehydration.
VAT-exempt medical service
When proteins are metabolised, the liver converts the resulting amino acids into urea, which enters the bloodstream and is transported to the kidneys for excretion. Healthy kidneys remove more than 90 % of the urea the body produces, so blood urea levels serve as a practical indicator of renal performance. Because urea production depends on the liver, the test can also flag liver dysfunction.
Testing urea helps uncover kidney or liver problems at an early stage. It is useful if a previous result was out of range, if you have symptoms related to the kidneys or liver, or as part of a routine health check to identify lifestyle-related risk factors before they become serious.
What a high value can mean
Elevated urea usually points to impaired kidney function. Acute or chronic kidney disease, reduced blood flow to the kidneys (from heart failure, shock, or dehydration), gastrointestinal bleeding, high protein intake, and severe burns can all raise levels.
What a low value can mean
Low urea is uncommon and generally not a cause for concern. It can occur with liver disease, malnutrition, or during pregnancy. Persistently low values may warrant further investigation.
No special preparation is required. Bring a valid ID to the sampling centre.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Yes. A very high-protein diet can increase urea, while a low-protein diet or malnutrition can lower it. Your doctor will consider dietary context when interpreting results.
Both are waste products filtered by the kidneys, but creatinine comes from muscle metabolism while urea comes from protein metabolism in the liver. Together they provide a more complete kidney assessment.
Yes. Certain drugs, including diuretics, corticosteroids, and some antibiotics, can alter urea levels. Inform your doctor about all medications you take.