Urea Random Urine Test

Urea Random Urine Test

This is a simple urine test that assesses the amount of urea excreted in urine in 24 hours. Urea is a by product formed in body after breakdown of proteins. This process happens in the liver. Urea formed is then transported in blood to the kidneys and then excreted in urine. It is also called as urine urea nitrogen test.

Abnormal urine urea levels may occur in conditions in which liver function is deranged and it is not able to break down protein into urea .it may also occur when kidney function is deranged so they are not able to filter out urea in urine.

Low levels of urea in urine may be due to:

• Kidney disease
• Low dietary protein intake
• malnutrition

High levels of urea in urine may be due to:

• High dietary protein intake
• Excessive breakdown of proteins

Why is urea random urine test prescribed?

Your healthcare provider may ask you to undergo this test in following conditions:

• To assess kidney function
• To diagnose kidney disease
• Monitor response to treatment of kidney disease
• In malnourished individual to assess protein requirements

Procedure and prerequisites

In this test you have to collect urine for 24 hours in a container provided by lab .you have to discard the first morning urine sample and then note the time and collect rest of the urine for the next 24 hours. No particular preparation is needed for the test. Urine sample need to be kept in refrigerator during 24 hours of collection. This test cannot be done in individuals with kidney disease on dialysis and those who have urine output less than 1000ml.

Reference range

• Normal range is 12-20 grams/24 hours
• Reference range may vary from lab to lab