Urea
The liver produces ammonia, which contains nitrogen, after it breaks down proteins used by the body's cells. The nitrogen combines with other elements such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to form urea, which is a chemical waste product. The urea travels from the liver to the kidneys through the bloodstream, and healthy kidneys filter urea and remove other waste products from the blood.
Why it matters: The urea travels from the liver to the kidneys through the bloodstream, and healthy kidneys filter urea and remove other waste products from the blood. The blood test in common use measures the nitrogen contained in urea rather than urea itself.
Source · Mayo Clinic — what it is, why it matters
What is Urea?
The liver produces ammonia, which contains nitrogen, after it breaks down proteins used by the body's cells. The nitrogen combines with other elements such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to form urea, which is a chemical waste product. The urea travels from the liver to the kidneys through the bloodstream, and healthy kidneys filter urea and remove other waste products from the blood.
What might a high or low Urea mean?
The urea travels from the liver to the kidneys through the bloodstream, and healthy kidneys filter urea and remove other waste products from the blood. The blood test in common use measures the nitrogen contained in urea rather than urea itself.
What is the typical reference range for Urea?
The general-population reference range shown here is 2.5 – 6.4 mmol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.