Kidney U & E

[Mrsdobson]

I had a blood test last Tuesday they contacted me on Friday asking me to repeat my U & E at it was 9 and should be 15 ? To say am worried is an understatement I have to have another test done tomorrow which will be fun as they can never find it!!! I have looked at Dr Google wish I hadn’t can anyone shed light on this just need a bit of peace of mind, am 72 and poor control, I seem to have all the simptons!! Should I stop my Metformin??? Jyst worried thank you

 

[Oldvatr]

For those wondering what a U&E test is, here is an explanation

Different types of blood tests

There are many different types of blood tests, each designed to reveal something about what's going on inside the body. Our Senior Cardiac nurse shares the most common.

www.bhf.org.uk

Question: which aspect was causing the low reading? was it urea, or sodium or potassium? and what units was that result since different labs can report in different ranges and units.

If it was the potassium, then one common problem is that after the sample has been bottled up and posted to the lab, the blood starts to leach potassium out of the red blood cells, giving a false low. It is a processing delay problem and it is usual to be requested for a retest.

 

[AndBreathe]

I had a blood test last Tuesday they contacted me on Friday asking me to repeat my U & E at it was 9 and should be 15 ? To say am worried is an understatement I have to have another test done tomorrow which will be fun as they can never find it!!! I have looked at Dr Google wish I hadn’t can anyone shed light on this just need a bit of peace of mind, am 72 and poor control, I seem to have all the simptons!! Should I stop my Metformin??? Jyst worried thank you

I'd tend to agree with @Oldvatr on the age of the sample on testing. I recently had a test where the lab would just not proicess it because the sample was "too old".

Whatever you do, don't panic.

Have the repeat test done, the consider what that says. Even if it isn't great news, at least you will know and be in a position to do what you can to improve it.
The important bit for now is not to panic.

Panic solves absolutely nothing, but leaves us exhausted and imagining all sorts far worse than the potential outcomes.

Good luck with the repeat. (Mine was fine.)

 

[Hopeful34]

Have had this happen when the blood test was first thing in the morning when I wasn't fully hydrated, repeats taken late a.m have always been fine, so ensure you've had a fair bit of water a good couple of hours before you go.