UREA UV LIQUID, 80 mL

PRINCIPLE

The hydrolysis of the urea present in the sample is catalyzed by urease producing ammonium and carbonate ions. Ammonium ions react with α-ketoglutarate by the action of glutamate dehydrogenase, oxidizing the NADH to NAD+. The urea concentration present in the sample is proportional to the decrease in the concentration of NADH in the reaction.

DIAGNOSTIC USE

Urea is the end product of protein metabolism; it is produced in the liver and eliminated from the blood in the kidneys. The serum level of urea is used in conjunction with creatinine, for the evaluation of renal 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 cannot be used to make a clinical diagnosis. It should integrate clinical and laboratory data.