: Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), Total, Serum or Plasma

: What Is Being Measured

: NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) is a small protein produced by several tissues, including white blood cells and cells lining the kidneys. It is normally present in blood at low levels. The "total" form of this test measures the overall amount of NGAL in the serum or plasma sample, rather than trying to separate specific molecular forms.

: Why Doctors Order It

: Healthcare providers may order an NGAL blood test to help detect kidney stress or acute kidney injury, sometimes earlier than standard kidney function tests like creatinine. It may be used in hospital settings, after certain procedures, or when there is concern for kidney damage from illness, medications, or reduced blood flow.

: How the Sample Is Collected

: A sample of blood is typically drawn from a vein in your arm and processed to obtain serum or plasma, depending on the laboratory's method. No special preparation is usually needed, but follow any instructions from your care team.

: How Results Are Interpreted

: Results are reported as a measured amount or level of total NGAL. Because NGAL can rise for reasons other than kidney injury and can be affected by other health conditions, results are not meaningful on their own. Your clinician will interpret them together with creatinine, urine output, imaging, and your symptoms, and reference values vary by laboratory.