U+E
Urea
An elevated urea may be due to non-renal causes such as
Mild dehydration - common
Increased protein in gut - diet / gastrointestinal haemorrhage
or renal causes
Urea is elevated due to intrinsic renal disease or restriction in urine flow
Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product which is removed by the kidneys. Creatinine levels in plasma will go up if kidney function is compromised and hence the use of creatinine to give an indication of renal function.
See the flowchart for information about plasma urea and creatinine
