Urine urea nitrogen is a measure of protein breakdown in the body. A test can be done to measure the amount of urea in the urine.
Alternative NamesUrine urea nitrogen
How the test is performedA 24-hour urine sample is needed.
For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health care provider.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is needed. If the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.
How the test will feelThe test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Why the test is performedThis test is mainly used to determine a person's protein balance and the amount of dietary protein needed by severely ill patients. It is also used to determine how much protein a person takes in.
Urea is excreted by the kidneys, so excretion of urea can reflect kidney function.
Normal ValuesNormal values range from 12 to 20 grams per 24 hours.
The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanLow levels usually indicate:
High levels usually indicate:
There are no risks.
ReferencesLandry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 116.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/21/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
(amino acid (grams)/ 6.25)-(UUNg (urine urea nitrogen) +4g)
No, urine is used to excrete nitrogen and therefore contains urea (or uric acid for birds) as a major component. Sweat doesn't serve this purpose and contains no urea.
Urea is typically 45-46% nitrogen.
Our liver converts ammonia into urea. This urea is excreted out in the urine.
no
(amino acid (grams)/ 6.25)-(UUNg (urine urea nitrogen) +4g)
Yes, urine contains urea nitrogen and uric acid.
Urea in the urinary system is the main nitrogen-containing waste.in the body. It is made in the liver and excreted in urine.
Urea serves an important role in the metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds by animals and is the main nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals.
Urea serves an important role in the metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds by animals and is the main nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals.
because urine contains urea which enriches the soil with nitrogen content.
sugare
Ammonia, Urea, or Uric acid. Urea is the main component of nitrogenous waste found in the urine.
Yes, quite commonly.
Well, most of the Nitrogen in an organism's body is excreted as urine, urea or ammonia.
No, urine is used to excrete nitrogen and therefore contains urea (or uric acid for birds) as a major component. Sweat doesn't serve this purpose and contains no urea.
Excess fertilizer [urea is high in nitrogen, low in everything else].