Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Analgesia team
U & E Medical Abbreviation
A urea and electrolytes (U&E) blood test, also known as a kidney function test, measures the levels of various substances in your blood to assess your kidney function and fluid and electrolyte balance:
- Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which help maintain fluid balance and plasma volume. Abnormal levels can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
- Urea: A protein that is normally broken down by the kidneys. High levels of urea in the blood could indicate kidney problems.
- Other substances: Phosphorus, calcium, albumin, and creatinine.
A U&E test can help your doctor:
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- Monitor your kidney function over time
- Decide if it’s safe to increase the dose of certain heart medications
- Investigate acid-base disturbances
Blood test results can take around 7 working days to come back, but specialist tests may take longer. You can usually access your results online if you’re registered to use your local practice’s online services. If your doctor wants to see you about your results, they’ll offer you an appointment.
Normal ranges for U and E test results
6 – 7.1mmol/L (SI units) or 10 – 20mg/dL in adults, but slightly higher for older people. 3 – 12mg/dL in newborns. 5 – 18mg/dL in children and infants.