- Urea nitrogen is a waste product from the breakdown of proteins within the body. It is usually removed from the body by the kidneys. Kidney damage and reduced kidney function inhibit the removal of urea nitrogen from the blood and result in high blood urea nitrogen levels.
- Creatinine is a waste product from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. Creatinine is usually removed from the body by the kidneys.
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Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is calculated from creatinine levels, age, body size and gender, and is a measure of kidney function.
Kidney damage and reduced kidney function inhibit the removal of creatinine from the blood and result in high creatinine levels and low eGFR levels.