1. What Is Urea?

Urea is a waste product formed in the liver from the breakdown of proteins. It is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Measuring urea levels helps assess kidney function and protein metabolism.

2. How Does The Conversion Work?

The conversion formula is:

Where:

• mg/dL — Milligrams per deciliter
• mmol/L — Millimoles per liter
• 60.06 — Molecular weight of urea (g/mol)
• 10 — Conversion factor for deciliters to liters

Explanation: This formula converts mass concentration (mg/dL) to molar concentration (mmol/L) using urea's molecular weight.

3. Importance Of Urea Measurement

Details: Urea measurement is important for evaluating kidney function, monitoring dialysis effectiveness, assessing hydration status, and detecting certain metabolic disorders.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter urea value in mg/dL. The calculator will automatically convert it to mmol/L using the standard conversion formula.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the normal range for urea?
A: Normal blood urea levels are typically 7-20 mg/dL (2.5-7.1 mmol/L), but ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.

Q2: Why convert mg/dL to mmol/L?
A: mmol/L is the SI unit used in most countries outside the US, providing a standardized way to compare results internationally.

Q3: How does urea differ from creatinine?
A: Both are waste products, but urea is more affected by hydration and protein intake, while creatinine is a more specific marker of kidney function.

Q4: When should urea be measured?
A: Urea is commonly measured in routine kidney function tests, before surgery, when monitoring kidney disease, or when evaluating dehydration.

Q5: Can high urea levels be dangerous?
A: Very high urea levels (uremia) can cause symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and confusion, and may indicate severe kidney impairment requiring medical attention.