About the test
Urea is the final product of protein catabolism in the liver.
Proteins initially break down to amino acids, which, in turn, degrade to toxic ammonia. A series of enzyme-mediated reactions leads to transformation of ammonia to the non-toxic urea. Urea is then released in blood circulation and is transported to the kidneys, through which it is excreted in urine.
Sample
Venous blood
Preparation
None required
Procedure
Venipuncture
Increased values
- Kidney disease
- Dehydration
- Congestive heart failure
- High protein diet
- Gastrointestinal tract bleeding
- Drugs: Corticosteroids
- Trauma, shock
Decreased values
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Childhood
- Low protein diet
- Alcoholism
- Celiac sprue
- Drugs: Chloramphenicol, streptomycin
Additional information
Urea values are lower in childhood and they tend to increase with age.
Renal function evaluation requires both urea and creatinine testing.
Men tend to have higher urea values than women.