Nitrogen in Urine Analysis

In human urine, nitrogen occurs in the form of urea. Urea is the result of protein metabolism. A Urinary Urea Nitrogen test (UUT) is a useful way to find out if a patient suffers from kidney problems.

Urea

• When the body processes protein, urea is a waste product. Only human beings and certain mammals produce urea. The kidneys filter urea from the blood. Since urea is linked with protein metabolism and the kidneys, its protein levels allow doctors to find out whether the kidneys are functioning properly or whether or not someone is getting enough protein to eat.

Urinalysis

• Urinalysis is the clinical term for a urine test. The test measures and detects various substances present in the urine such as protein, sugar, ketones, blood and drugs.

  The urine may be obtained through the clear-catch method or by inserting a catheter through the urethra into the bladder. A dipstick is treated with chemicals which react when the dipstick is dipped into the urine. It is also possible to examine the urine under a microscope for the presence of any microbes or blood cells. Dipsticks detect proteins, sugar, and ketones. Dipsticks also detect blood, but this has to be confirmed with a microscope.

Urinary Urea Nitrogen Test

• The UUT determines a patient’s nitrogen balance. If the balance is positive, the patient is getting enough protein. If the value is less than zero, the patient needs to increase protein intake. For a correct assessment a nurse monitors the patient’s food intake during a 24-hour period. According to UCSF Medical Center, a normal urinary urea nitrogen level is 6 to 17 grams in a 24-hour period.

Proteinuria

• Proteinuria is a condition where there is too much protein in the urine. A common symptom of too much protein in the urine is yellow, frothy urine. Proteinuria is an indication that protein is leaking through the kidney. Normally, the kidney retains larger molecules such as protein and blood and only filters out smaller, unwanted impurities. The body will reabsorb any protein that gets through and use it for energy. A kidney problem, however, is not always the cause of excessive protein in the urine. If someone has a high blood protein level, then his urine test will show a high amount of protein. Basically, if you eat too much protein, it will also affect your urine test outcome. If blood levels are normal and there’s excessive protein in the urine, then there’s kidney disease.

Interference

• The following may interfere with the outcome of a urine test which checks for protein: dehydration, severe emotional stress, strenuous exercise, urinary tract infection, and urine contaminated with vaginal secretions.

High Protein Diet

• Even if excess protein in your urine is the result of a high protein diet and not an immediate kidney problem, don’t feel reassured. A high-protein diet strains your kidneys and causes your body to flush out more water, leading to dehydration. According to Medicine Net, 15 percent of your daily caloric intake should be protein.