UEC - Kidney & Electrolyte Panel

Assesses kidney filtration function and electrolyte balance — the minerals that govern nerve conduction, muscle contraction, heart rhythm, and fluid balance. Covers creatinine, eGFR, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Chronic kidney disease affects 1 in 10 Australians and is almost entirely asymptomatic until advanced stages, making regular screening the only reliable detection method.

The kidneys filter approximately 180 litres of blood per day, regulate fluid balance, maintain electrolyte concentrations, control blood pressure via the renin-angiotensin system, and eliminate waste products. Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 1 in 10 Australians and is almost entirely asymptomatic until advanced stages — by the time symptoms appear, significant and often irreversible damage has occurred. This panel measures seven key markers of kidney function and electrolyte balance. Creatinine and eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) assess how effectively the kidneys are filtering waste. Urea provides additional information about protein metabolism and kidney clearance. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate reflect the electrolyte balance that governs nerve conduction, muscle contraction (including the heart), fluid distribution, and acid-base regulation. Electrolyte imbalances — particularly potassium — can be dangerous. Hyperkalaemia (high potassium) and hypokalaemia (low potassium) both affect cardiac rhythm and can be life-threatening if severe. These imbalances are common in people taking certain medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, NSAIDs), those with diabetes (a leading cause of kidney disease), and older adults with declining renal function. No fasting is required. ClearLabs delivers results within 2-3 business days through the digital dashboard, with each marker displayed against optimal ranges. This panel is particularly recommended for anyone taking medications that affect kidney function, those with diabetes or hypertension, and as part of a routine annual health screen for adults over 40.