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Urea is a waste product that is formed when the body breaks down amino acids and proteins. By analyzing urea, one can get an understanding of kidney function.
Urea
Urea is a waste product formed when the body breaks down amino acids and proteins from the food we ingest.
Brief about urea
- Healthy kidneys efficiently remove urea from the body.
- By analyzing P-Urea, one can get an idea of kidney function.
- Men have slightly higher urea concentrations in the blood than women.
What is urea?
Urea is a waste product formed when the body breaks down amino acids and proteins after we have eaten. The body cannot use urea, so it must be removed from the body. Most of it is excreted through the kidneys in the urine, and a small portion is excreted through the skin and the digestive tract.
By analyzing P-Urea, one can get an idea of kidney function. Normally, there are small amounts of urea left in the bloodstream. Higher amounts of urea in the bloodstream may indicate impaired kidney function.
What does a high value mean?
A high value may be seen in conditions such as:
- Reduced urine output, i.e., low urine production
- Kidney dysfunction, which may include kidney damage, kidney failure, or disease
- Increased protein intake, for example, through food
- Increased protein breakdown, for example, during prolonged bed rest, trauma, or fever
- Intake of medications that are nephrotoxic, meaning medications that cause kidney damage
What does a low value mean?
A low value may be seen in conditions such as:
- High diuresis, i.e., high urine production
- Liver failure
- Low protein intake
- The late stage of pregnancy when the fetus uses protein to grow
- Malnutrition
- Nephrotic syndrome, a condition where protein leaks from the blood into the urine
- Intake of certain medications such as diuretics and growth hormone
What are the reference values for Urea?
Women 18–50 years old: 2.6–6.4 mmol/L
Women > 50 years old: 3.1–7.9 mmol/L
Men 18–50 years old: 3.2–8.1 mmol/L
Men > 50 years old: 3.5–8.2 mmol/L
Reference values may vary depending on where the analysis is performed and which analysis method is used.
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Article updated:
24 June 2024