This description aims to provide patients with some useful information on the tests which may be included as part of their health screening. The tests are explained briefly. Because reference ranges are typically defined as the range of values of the median 95% of the healthy population, it is unlikely that a given specimen, even from a healthy individual, will show “normal” values for all tests. All results should be correlated with patient’s history and clinical findings. Therefore, your physician is the best person to interpret your laboratory results. Always consult your physician.
Blood urea is the end product of protein breakdown and is excreted from the body by the kidneys. Elevated levels of urea can be found in persons on a high protein diet or after a long period of fasting. High levels of urea can also be found in renal diseases.
Creatinine is a by-product of muscle function and is related to the muscle mass of a person. It is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels of creatinine are seen in renal diseases as the creatinine is accumulated in the blood and not excreted by the diseased kidney. Elderly people or a person who is on high meat diet may have elevated creatinine levels.
Decrease in serum creatinine is seen in pregnancy and in conditions associated with muscle wasting.