A normal blood sodium level A normal blood sodium level is 135 – 145 mmol/L. A low sodium is called hyponatraemia: defined as a sodium level below 135 mmol/L. This is common and affects 15-20% of people admitted to hospital A high sodium is called hypernatraemia: defined as a sodium level above 145 mmol/L. Note. […]
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Prevalence and risk factors for dipstick microscopic haematuria Dipstick +ve microscopic haematuria is common. It is known to occur in 5-10% of the normal population. The cause is not known. This study (in men) by Courtemanche (2019) is a simple but useful one. We have summarised the abstract and study. Background Microscopic haematuria is a […]
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What is a U&E blood test? A urea and electrolytes (‘U&E’) blood test measures the levels of urea (‘U’) and creatinine (similar to urea), and electrolytes (‘Es’), in your blood. A U&E is a common blood test that helps assess kidney function, fluid balance, and electrolyte levels. Urea and creatinine are waste products that need […]
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What is an ECG – and what are they done? A normal ECG. An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart; including the rate, rhythm and direction of electrical impulses. It’s quick and painless, and carries no risk. Why is it done? You will usually have an ECG (electrocardiogram) […]
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Do you need your NHS number? No, you don’t need to know your NHS number to access NHS services. However, it can be useful to have it so that healthcare staff can find your health records and share information with other medical staff. So. No/yes. You don’t absolutely need to know. More of that later. […]
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Medical titles in order of seniority Here are some medical titles in order of seniority (most senior first). Consultant or general practitioner (GP): These are senior doctor titles – and permanent posts Staff grade, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors: This is a group of senior doctor titles. They are like a permanent registrar grade […]
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NHS 1948: 3 core principles The three core principles of the National Health Service (NHS) when it was founded in 1948 were: Universality: The NHS is available to the entire population Equity: The NHS is based on clinical need, not the ability to pay Free at the point of delivery: The NHS is free to access at the […]
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Do hospitals ever lose your medical records and information? Yes, all the time. Hospitals quite often lose some or all of your records, when they change computer systems. GPs are better at keeping information. Is there a single NHS medical record? Unfortunately there is no single complete NHS medical record. But you can see parts […]
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What is a high blood creatinine level? Blood creatinine > 120 mcmol/L is above normal and a concern – and may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD) Blood creatinine > 150 mcmol/L is raised and usually problem – i.e. CKD (or AKI) Blood creatinine > 200 mcmol/L is high and always a problem – it indicates […]
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What is a low blood GFR level? GFR < 60 ml/min is a low blood GFR level – and a concern, and may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD) GFR <45 ml/min is CKD – and a problem GFR <30 ml/min is significant CKD – and a serious problem GFR <15 ml/min is kidney failure – […]
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