UREA ENZYMATIC, 5 x 100 mL

PRINCIPLE

The hydrolysis of the urea present in the sample is catalyzed by urease producing ammonium and carbonate ions. In the presence of nitroprusside, the ammonium ions formed react with salicylate and hypochlorite in basic medium, producing an indophenol derivative. Colour intensity is proportional to the urea concentration in the sample.

DIAGNOSTIC USE

Urea is the end product of protein metabolism. It is produced in the liver and eliminated from the blood in the kidneys Urea determination, together with that of creatinine, allows assessing kidney function. Usually, the elevated levels of blood urea reflect some alteration of the excretory function of the kidney. This increase may also be due to poor liver function, cardiac failure or diet itself. Dehydration and bleeding can raise levels of blood urea. A single test result could not be used to make a clinical diagnosis. It should integrate clinical and laboratory data.