Urea in 24-hour urine

The 24-hour urine urea test measures the amount of urea in urine collected over a 24-hour period. This test is essential for assessing kidney function and protein balance in the body and can be done at IntroLab.

What is urea?

Urea is a waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins in the body. When dietary proteins are broken down, urea is produced and excreted through the kidneys. If kidney function is impaired, the level of urea in the urine can be either elevated or decreased, which may indicate various health problems.

How is the test performed?

This test requires a urine sample collected over a 24-hour period. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions for collecting the urine, which should be followed carefully to ensure accurate results.

Begin the urine collection after discarding the first morning urination. Collect all urine for the next 24 hours in a special container, which must be kept in a cool place during the entire collection period.

Why is urea in 24-hour urine measured?

This biochemical urine test is primarily used to assess protein balance in the body and determine protein requirements for severely ill individuals. It is also utilized to evaluate kidney function and monitor kidney diseases.

What do the results mean?

Normal urea levels in urine range from 12 to 20 grams per 24 hours. Low levels can indicate kidney problems or malnutrition (insufficient protein intake). High levels may suggest increased protein breakdown in the body or excessive protein intake. Your doctor will discuss your results with you and may recommend further steps if necessary.

Potential risks

There are no risks associated with this test. The only potential issue is obtaining inaccurate results if the urine collection instructions are not properly followed.

Preparing for the 24-hour urine urea test

No special preparations are needed for this test. It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor or medical staff precisely. Do not miss any urination during the 24-hour collection period. If you accidentally miss a sample, inform your doctor.

Where is the test performed?

You can have the 24-hour urine urea test done at our laboratory. Our Vračar location is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by skilled professionals dedicated to providing top-notch service.