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U&E profile

Chemical Pathology

Notes

Tests normally included in a urea and electrolyte (U&E) profile:

  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Urea (for Acute Unit only requests)
  • Creatinine
  • eGFR (using CKD-EPIcreat calculation)

If chloride, bicarbonate or urea are required in addition to this please contact the laboratory (or request as a separate test if using ICE requesting system).

Sample requirements

  • Always take samples for U&E profile BEFORE filling purple top tubes for full blood counts or other tests.

For adults, blood taken into a 5mL gold top gel tube (or rust top for the Acute Unit)

5ml gold tube

or, if pseudohyperkalaemia is suspected e.g. due to increased platelet levels then take blood into a 6mL lithium heparin tube

6ml lithium heparin tube

For children, blood taken into a 3.5mL rust top gel tube

3.5ml rust top tube

For neonates, blood taken into a 0.8mL minicollect lithium heparin tube

Minicollect lithium heparin tube

Storage/transport

If all tests are required then do not store, but send as soon as possible at ambient temperature to the laboratory.

If creatinine and eGFR only required, then samples can be refrigerated overnight if unavoidable.

Required information

Relevant clinical details including drug and intravenous therapy.

Turnaround times

The assays are run throughout the day and night.

The in-lab turnaround time is less than 24 hours.

The test can be ordered as an urgent request.

Reference ranges

Please refer to individual test pages for reference range details.

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