What is the purpose of measuring urea in the blood?

Measuring urea in the blood serves multiple important clinical purposes, with one of the most significant being the monitoring of kidney function. Urea is a waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins in the liver, which is then transported to the kidneys for excretion in urine.

In healthy individuals, the kidneys effectively filter urea from the blood, maintaining appropriate blood levels. When kidney function declines due to various conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury, the ability to eliminate urea is compromised, leading to elevated levels in the bloodstream. By measuring urea levels, healthcare providers can assess how well the kidneys are functioning and identify potential disorders related to renal health.

While measuring urea can also give indirect insights into issues such as hydration status and protein metabolism, these assessments are secondary to its primary role in evaluating kidney function.