Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (AUTOMATED)
Test Name:
UREA - (P)
Test Code: U
Clinical Information:
Description:  Urea is the major end product of protein and amino acid metabolism. It is synthesized by the urea cycle in the liver from ammonia which is produced by amino acid deamination. It is excreted primarily by the kidneys.
Determination of urea is widely used as a screening test for renal function. When used in conjunction with serum creatinine it can aid in the differential diagnosis of pre-renal, renal and post-renal hyperuremia.
Collection Devices:
Pediatric samples should be collected in LiHep PST microtainer (0.6 mL)
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 0.2 mL

Specimen Stability:
Ambient: 7 days 

Refrigerated: 7 days 

Frozen: 1 year at -20oC
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Adult Volume: 2.0 mL serum or plasma aliquoted

Shipping & Storage: 
Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored/shipped

·        Refrigerated if off-site testing to be performed within 48 hours of collection

·        Frozen if testing to be performed after 48 hours

See #110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport
Requisition:
Reference Values:
AgeMaleFemale
0 - 14 d:    

1.1- 7.9 mmol/L

15 d - 11 m:   

1.3 - 5.8 mmol/L

1 - 9 y:

 3.2 - 7.6 mmol/L

10 - 18 y: 

2.6 - 7.2 mmol/L

2.6 - 6.5 mmol/L

≥ 19 y:  

2.8 - 8.1 mmol/L


Effective March 11, 2024

Method of Analysis: Enzymatic photometric
Availability:
Stat or Routine
See Also:
More Information: