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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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UREA NITROGEN, RANDOM URINE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3212    Geisinger Epic ID:  23560

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Random urine


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

5 mL aliquot of random urine.


Special notes: 

Urine containing preservatives is not acceptable.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 2 days. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 4 weeks..


Rejection criteria: 

Urine containing preservatives is unacceptable.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  84540
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Spectrophotometric (Colorimetric)
Synonyms: 

UNUR


Clinical significance: 

About 80% of urinary nitrogen is in the form of urea, which is the major end product of protein metabolism. Urea excreted in the urine is the primary method of nitrogen elimination; therefore, this test provides an approximate evaluation of nitrogen balance. Conditions associated with increased urea nitrogen are hypothyroidism, high-protein diets, and postoperative states. Decreased levels are associated with convalescence, liver disease, toxemia, and advanced renal disease.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/27/2024

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