Kidney function tests/ Urea Electrolytes are a group of blood tests that provide information on how well your kidneys are working.
Most people have 2 kidneys. They’re part of your urinary system. Kidneys have several important functions:
- filtering and cleaning your blood to remove waste products into urine (wee)
- balancing the fluids and salts or minerals in your body
- making vitamin D
- making hormones that help to control your blood pressure
Kidney function tests are also known as renal function tests and include: urea and electrolytes tests. These are often shortened to: U&E, EUC or UEC.
The tests measure levels of various substances in your blood, including:
- electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate
- minerals: phosphorus, calcium
- protein: albumin
- waste products: urea, creatinine
- glucose (sugar)
