‫كلية الحكمة الجامعة‬

‫قسم طب االسنان‬
Biochemistry laboratory
Kidney function test
Urea
‫م صفا ناجي‬.‫م‬
KIDNEY
• The main function of the kidney is excretion of water soluble waste products from our
body.
• The kidney has various filtration, excretion and secretary functions. Derangement of any
of these function would result in either decreased excretion of waste products and hence
their accumulation in the body or loss of some vital nutrient from the body.
• Based on the level of these excretory products and nutrients in the urine as well as in
blood we can make an accurate calculation to decipher the efficiency of the kidney to
undertake its various functions.
KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST

• Renal/ Kidney function tests are done to assess the functional capacity of kidney (Blood flow to the
kidney, glomerular filtration and tubular function).
• The aim of renal function tests is to detect impairment of renal function as early as possible.
• The kidney function can be assessed by examination of blood and urine.
• The following are commonly used kidney function tests:-
• (A) Urine examination: Simple routine examination of urine for Volume, pH, Concentration test /
specific gravity test, Osmolality and presence of certain abnormal constituents (Proteins, ketone
bodies, blood, glucose etc.).
• (B) Blood/serum analysis: Estimation of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, protein and
electrolyte.
• (C) Glomerular function tests: Clearance test (Urea, inulin, creatinine)
UREA
• Catabolism of proteins and nucleic acids results in the formation of urea and ammonia, the so-
called nonprotein nitrogenous compounds.
• Ammonia has no role in assessing kidney function.
• Urea is the major nitrogen containing metabolic product of protein catabolism in humans.
UREA TEST

• Urea is usually passed out in the urine.

• A high blood level of urea ('uraemia') indicates that the kidneys may not be working
properly or that you are dehydrated (have a low body water content).
• A urea test is done to see kidneys are working, if kidneys are not able to remove urea
from the blood normally, urea level rises.
• Heart failure, dehydration, or a diet high in protein can also make urea level higher.
• Liver disease or damage can lower urea level. A low urea level can occur normally in the
second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• The concentration of urea in the body water depends upon the rate of production by the
liver and the rate of removed by the kidney.
HIGH UREA LEVELS

• A high urea value can mean kidney injury or disease is present. Kidney damage can be caused by diabetes or high
blood pressure that directly affects the kidneys. High urea levels can also be caused by low blood flow to the kidneys
caused by dehydration or heart failure. Many medicines may cause a high urea level.
• Urea levels can also be elevated due to:
• Dehydration, resulting from not drinking enough fluids or for other reasons
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Congestive heart failure or recent heart attack
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Shock
• Severe burns
• Certain medications, such as some antibiotics
• A high-protein diet
LOW UREA LEVELS
• A low urea value may be caused by a diet very low in protein, malnutrition, or severe
liver damage.
• Drinking excessive amounts of liquid may cause overhydration and cause a low urea
value.
• Women and children may have lower urea levels than men because of how their bodies
break down protein.
NORMAL LEVELS OF UREA AND CREATININE