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Serum/plasma Substance Concentration (Immunoassay) for Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures a protein called neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), which your body produces in response to kidney damage or injury.

Quick summary

["NGAL helps assess kidney function and recovery after injury or illness."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
38369-5
Short code
U1 snRNP IgG Ser Ql
Synonyms
U1 snRNP IgG Ser Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82784
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test to check for early signs of kidney problems, especially after surgery, trauma, or severe infections. It can also help monitor kidney function in people with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

What Does the Test Involve?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum or plasma, then analyzed for NGAL levels using an immunoassay method.

What Does a High or Low Level Mean?

Elevated NGAL levels often indicate kidney stress or damage, but results alone don’t diagnose kidney disease. Your doctor will consider your overall health and other test results.

What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?

High NGAL levels may occur after kidney injury, dehydration, heart failure, or certain infections. Low levels are less common but may suggest severe kidney disease or other conditions affecting protein production.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

NGAL Serum/Plasma

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor want to check NGAL levels?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you’ve had recent surgery, severe illness, or conditions that put your kidneys at risk, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. It helps track how well your kidneys are healing or functioning over time.
What should I do if my NGAL test result is abnormal?
If your result is outside the expected range, your doctor will discuss it with you and may order additional tests or adjustments to your treatment plan. Follow their advice for next steps, such as lifestyle changes or further monitoring.
Can NGAL levels change with diet or medications?
NGAL levels are primarily influenced by kidney health and stress responses. While diet and medications can indirectly affect kidney function, they don’t directly alter NGAL levels in the same way as kidney damage or illness.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy