Urea | Urea

Urea is one of the most important indicators of kidney function. Urea is the final product of protein metabolism. It is synthesized by the liver, easily passes through all membranes, and quickly enters all body fluids. The concentration of urea in the body depends on how quickly it is produced by the liver and how quickly it is excreted by the kidneys. This parameter is used to assess kidney function together with creatinine. Unlike creatinine, it reflects cumulative kidney function. Both indicators complement each other. During kidney dialysis, the rate of urea reduction is an important prognostic indicator.

Urea and creatinine do not necessarily increase or decrease equally together. When kidney function is impaired, urea concentration increases early. An increase in urea concentration to more than 30mmol/l almost always indicates kidney damage. Urea reduction occurs during liver dysfunction when insufficient urea is produced or during pregnancy. Urea concentration in the blood increases with the consumption of protein-derived food products, while prolonged starvation decreases its concentration. Cannabis can increase urea concentration.

Recommendations:

• It is recommended to perform preventively once a year, periodically for disease diagnosis and treatment control according to the doctor's instructions.
• The test results are influenced by medications, alcohol, drugs, physical exertion, excessively protein-rich and carbohydrate-rich food, kidney diseases, bladder stones, tumors, shock, burns, myocardial infarction, dehydration, liver diseases, pregnancy.
• For the test sampling, it is necessary to come fasting for 12 hours, avoid eating meat, consuming alcohol, and narcotics 1 day before the test.