Urinary urea (24 hour urine test)

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Urea in 24-hour urine measures the total amount of urea excreted in the urine over a 24-hour period. Urea is the main end product of protein metabolism. It is produced in the liver and predominantly eliminated by the kidneys.

Determination of urinary urea excretion helps assess protein metabolism and nitrogen excretion and may be used together with other tests to evaluate kidney function and nitrogen balance.

The result should be interpreted in the context of protein intake, hydration status, and other biochemical parameters.

Indications

• assessment of protein metabolism and nitrogen excretion;
• assessment of urea excretion over a 24-hour period;
• evaluation of kidney function together with other laboratory tests;
• monitoring of patients with kidney or metabolic disorders, as recommended by a physician;
• assessment of protein intake and catabolism in certain clinical situations.

Procedure

The test requires collecting all urine passed over a 24-hour period in a special clean container of sufficient volume.

On the morning when collection begins, the first urine is not collected, but the time of urination is recorded. From that point onward, all urine is collected, including overnight urine. The following morning, the first urine is added to the container at the same time at which collection began the previous day.

During the collection period, the container should be stored according to the laboratory's instructions, usually in a cool place.

Once collection is complete, the container should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Sources:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=urea_nitrogen_urine
https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/607234
https://mlabs.umich.edu/tests/urea-nitrogen-urine

Important Note:

It is crucial to remember that the information provided here is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any symptoms or have a worsening condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can accurately interpret test results and determine the appropriate course of action. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. Different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.