Urea Test

What is Urea?

• Formation: Urea is produced when the liver breaks down proteins and amino acids, generating ammonia which is converted into urea.
• Function: It is a major nitrogenous waste product in urine, helping to remove excess nitrogen from the body.
• Excretion: Urea is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine.

Why is the Urea Test Done?

1. Kidney Function: The urea test, also known as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), is primarily used to assess kidney function.
2. Metabolic Function: It provides information about how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
3. Dehydration: It may also indicate dehydration or excessive protein breakdown.

When Should You Get a Urea Test?

• Kidney Function: If there are concerns about kidney function due to symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output.
• Dehydration: To monitor dehydration or certain metabolic conditions affecting urea levels.