[Appropriate use of laboratory tests ‒ serum urea testing]
Gonthier K, Méthot M, Neveu B, Robitaille H
Record ID 32018016117
French
Original Title:
Utilisation judicieuse des analyses biomédicales - Dosage de l’urée sérique pour l’évaluation de la fonction rénale
Authors' objectives:
Serum urea testing raises several issues regarding appropriateness, particularly because
the test has lower sensitivity than creatinine measurement for detecting renal
insufficiency. In addition, serum urea testing is often ordered routinely at the same time
as creatinine and electrolyte tests. The objective of this work is to develop a guidance
sheet on appropriate use in order to reduce the volume of low-value procedures within
Quebec’s healthcare system.
Authors' results and conclusions:
RESULTS: Serum urea testing is not indicated for the initial assessment of renal function. Serum urea testing may be indicated, as part of specialized follow-up in persons with advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or higher), to further
evaluate renal dysfunction characterized by elevated creatinine. CONCLUSION: The guidance sheet that was developed aims to mobilize, guide, and equip healthcare
professionals to encourage more appropriate use of serum urea testing. It may thus
contribute to reduce the number of annual test requests and associated costs and
workload, while also generating a positive environmental impact.
Authors' methods:
A review of the literature on indications and recommendations related to serum urea
testing was conducted using INESSS’s rapid review methodology. Healthcare
professionals provided experiential and contextual knowledge specific to Québec.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2026
URL for published report:
https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/Biologie_medicale/AnBio_Uree_serique_GN_INESSS.pdf
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Other
Country:
Canada
Province:
Quebec
MeSH Terms
- Urea
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Low-Value Care
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Kidney Diseases
- Biomarkers
- Hematologic Tests
- Renal Insufficiency
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux
Contact Address:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369
Contact Name:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Contact Email:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Copyright:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)
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