Urea (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
Urea is a protein breakdown product excreted by the kidneys.
The test helps assess:
- kidney function
- degree of dehydration
- protein metabolism
- status in chronic diseases
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Fasting for 8-12 hours;
- water allowed;
- avoid alcohol and heavy protein food for 24 hours.
Medications: inform staff about diuretics, antibiotics, hormones.
Prescribed for:
- swelling
- elevated blood pressure
- lower back pain
- urine changes
- suspected renal failure
- monitoring chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension)
Recommended for testing:
- people with diabetes
- patients with hypertension
- with kidney diseases
- when taking nephrotoxic drugs (as prescribed)
Elevation — decreased kidney function/dehydration/high-protein diet
Decrease — possible with liver diseases, protein deficiency
For abnormalities, consultation with a general practitioner/nephrologist is recommended. Self-treatment is contraindicated.