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Alternative names Return to top
UUN; Urine urea nitrogenDefinition Return to top
A urea nitrogen urine test measures the amount of urea in the urine.How the test is performed Return to top
A 24-hour urine sample is needed.Infant:
Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag, causing the specimen to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.How the test will feel Return to top
Urinate in the normal manner, but collect all the urine in the container provided.Why the test is performed Return to top
This test is mainly used to assess the protein balance and the amount of dietary protein needed by severely ill patients. Urine urea serves this purpose as it is a measure of protein breakdown in the body.Normal Values Return to top
Normal values range from 6 to 17 gm/24 hours or (60 to 90 mg/dl). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results are indicated as follows:
Low levels usually indicate:
What the risks are Return to top
There are no risks associated with testing urine urea. Update Date: 2/11/2004 Updated by: Andrew Koren, M.D., Department of Nephrology, NYU-Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |