What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being monitored for nutrition status, especially if you're on IV feeding, recovering from a serious illness, or following a special diet and need to know how well your body is using protein. It helps estimate whether you're getting enough protein or breaking down too much muscle tissue. It's also useful if you or someone managing your care wants to track nitrogen balance during recovery from surgery, illness, or injury.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account with the normal range clearly explained so you can see where your value falls. If your urea nitrogen level is outside the expected range, simple next steps include adjusting your protein intake, staying well hydrated, and retesting after a few weeks to see if the change worked. A standard lab report is available to download directly from your account at any time. You can also track your results over time using the trends feature to see how your nitrogen balance shifts with diet or health changes.

What is nitrogen balance and why does it matter?

Nitrogen balance is a way of measuring whether your body is building up more protein than it's breaking down, or the other way around. When you eat protein, your body breaks it down and gets rid of the leftover nitrogen through urine as urea. Tracking this helps show if you're eating enough protein to support healing, muscle maintenance, or growth, which matters a lot during illness, recovery, or intense physical training.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days after your 24-hour urine sample is received at the lab. This turnaround allows time for accurate processing of the full urine collection. You'll get a notification once results are posted to your account so you can review them right away.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people recovering from major surgery, illness, or injury who need to track protein needs closely. It's also useful for those on IV nutrition, restrictive diets, or anyone working with a nutrition plan who wants objective data on protein breakdown. People with suspected kidney, liver, or thyroid issues affecting protein metabolism may also find this test helpful.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs like unexplained muscle loss, slow wound healing, ongoing fatigue, or unintentional weight changes can be linked to poor nitrogen balance. Swelling, appetite changes, or a diet very high or very low in protein are also reasons this test might be useful. If you've recently had major surgery, illness, or started IV feeding, this test can help make sure your protein needs are being met.

How can I naturally support healthy nitrogen balance?

Eating a balanced amount of protein from foods like eggs, fish, beans, and lean meat helps keep nitrogen levels steady. Staying hydrated supports your kidneys in properly filtering and excreting waste products like urea. Avoiding extremes—like very high-protein diets or very low-protein, high-carb diets—can also help keep your levels in a healthy range. Regular physical activity that includes some strength training can improve how your body uses protein.

What does high urinary urea nitrogen mean?

A higher-than-expected result often points to eating more protein than your body needs or increased protein breakdown, which can happen during illness, fever, or an overactive thyroid. It generally means your body is excreting more nitrogen waste than usual. Reviewing your protein intake and any recent health changes can help explain the result.

What does low urinary urea nitrogen mean?

A lower level can mean you're not eating enough protein, or it could reflect a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. It may also show up with kidney problems, liver disease, or malnutrition, since these conditions affect how your body processes and excretes waste. Pregnant people and healthy children can also naturally have lower levels without any underlying problem.

How often should I retest?

If you're actively adjusting your diet or recovering from illness or surgery, retesting every few weeks can help you see if your protein intake changes are working. Once your nitrogen balance stabilizes, retesting less often, such as every few months, is usually enough. If you notice new symptoms like unexplained weight loss or swelling, consider retesting sooner.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Urea Nitrogen Urine Test - Protein & Nitrogen Balance

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]