| Material | Serum or EDTA plasma or heparin plasma 0.5 ml;
Reptiles: heparin plasma or serum 0.2 ml |
| Method | Photometry |
| Duration | Reporting of results on the day the sample is received (Mon–Sat) |
| Remark | - Urea is the main end product of protein metabolism in mammals. It is formed in the liver from ammonia and filtered through the glomeruli of the kidneys.
- Serum concentration depends on both kidney function and extrarenal factors (e.g. feeding, protein intake, protein turnover).
- When assessing renal function, urea concentrations should always be interpreted together with creatinine and SDMA.
- Cattle:The urea concentration in serum or milk serves as an indicator of energy and protein supply. Low concentrations indicate a deficiency in crude protein, while elevated concentrations indicate excess protein or energy deficiency.
- Horses and small animals: In addition to creatinine, urea is a key parameter for assessing renal function and particularly indicates disturbances in water and nitrogen balance.
- Urea is the most important renal parameter in aquatic and sea turtles and other aquatic reptile species, amphibians and fish.
|
