Urea in plasma, serum (carbamide)

Measuring the concentration of urea in the blood is used when assessing and monitoring the degree of toxemia in severe kidney failure (mer om urea transport in the kidneys). The analysis is also used when examining changes in the metabolism of proteins and amino acids.

Urea in plasma, serum Women 18-49 years 2,6-6,4 mmol/L

>50 years 3,1-7,9 mmol/L

Men 18-49 years 3,2-8,1 mmol/L

>50 years 3,5-8,1 mmol/L

Urea is a compound the body utilises to eliminate nitrogen after degredation of amino acids.

High concentrations of urea can be due to:

Reduced excretion due to reduced kidney function and low diuresis.

Increased production due increased protein intake or increased degradation of proteins.

Low concentrations can be due to:
Increased excretion due to increased diuresis

Reduced production during the transition from catabolic to anabolic phase, low protein intake and liver failure.

Read more about urea in The handbook on medical biochemistry:

Urea in plasma, serum	Women	18-49 years	2,6-6,4 mmol/L
		>50 years	3,1-7,9 mmol/L
	Men	18-49 years	3,2-8,1 mmol/L
		>50 years	3,5-8,1 mmol/L