Urea and creatinine levels in dialysate fluid (post-dialysis monitoring)
This test measures the levels of urea and creatinine in the fluid removed during hemodialysis. It helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are being supported by the dialysis process.
["Check if your dialysis is effectively removing waste products from your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70961-8
- Short code
- KTVHEMODIALYSIS
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
Urea and creatinine are waste products your kidneys normally filter from your blood. During hemodialysis, a dialysate fluid with controlled levels of these substances is used to remove waste. This test checks how much of these waste products were present in the fluid removed during your dialysis session. High levels may indicate inefficient removal or potential issues with your dialysis setup.
Why Might This Test Be Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor how well your dialysis is working. It helps ensure that waste products are being properly removed from your blood and that your dialysis machine is functioning correctly. This is especially important if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis long-term.
What Does the Result Mean?
The results help your doctor compare the dialysate fluid’s waste levels to what’s expected after a typical dialysis session. Elevated levels might suggest that your dialysis machine isn’t removing waste efficiently, or there could be an issue with the dialysate fluid itself. Your doctor will review these results alongside other lab tests and clinical findings to guide your care.
How Is This Test Performed?
During your hemodialysis session, a sample of the dialysate fluid (the fluid used to clean your blood) is collected after the dialysis is complete. This fluid is sent to a lab for testing. No additional preparation is needed beyond your regular dialysis procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Post-dialysis dialysate urea/creatinine
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
What are the normal ranges for this test?
Can I influence the results of this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy