Ureaamnmcnc

Published: July 31, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A prenatal test that measures urea levels in the amniotic fluid to assess fetal kidney function and development.

Quick summary

{"This test measures urea (a waste product) in the fluid surrounding your baby","It helps doctors evaluate how well your baby's kidneys are developing","The test is done through amniocentesis, a procedure where a small amount of fluid is collected","Results can help detect fetal kidney abnormalities or assess fetal well-being","The procedure carries a small risk of miscarriage"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC: 3090-8
Short code: Urea Amn-mCnc
Synonyms: Urea Amn-mCnc
Category: chemistry
Sample: fluid
Container: Sterile tube
Units: not specified
Ref low: 10
Ref high: 40
Critical range: — – 100 not specified
Fasting: false
Population: adult
Sex: all
Age range: 18–65 years
CPT: 84520
SNOMED: 2739004
Specimen volume: 2-5 mL
Stability: Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max: 300
TAT: 4–24 hours
Order: routine

What is this test?

The urea in amniotic fluid test measures the amount of urea, a waste product from protein breakdown, in the amniotic fluid. Urea is normally filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. During pregnancy, the fetus produces urine that becomes part of the amniotic fluid. By measuring urea levels, doctors can learn important information about how your baby's kidneys are functioning and developing.

How is the test performed?

This test is performed through a procedure called amniocentesis. During amniocentesis, your healthcare provider uses ultrasound to guide a thin needle through your abdomen and into the uterus to collect a small sample of amniotic fluid. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure usually takes about 10-15 minutes, and you may experience some discomfort or cramping during and after the test.

What do the results mean?

Normal urea levels in amniotic fluid indicate that your baby's kidneys are likely functioning properly. Abnormal levels may suggest potential issues with fetal kidney development or function. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your specific situation, including your pregnancy timeline and other test findings.

Reference range

10-40 mg/dLnot specified

Specimen: fluid

No fasting or special preparation required; specimen obtained by amniocentesis

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Why would my doctor order this test?

Your doctor may order this test if there are concerns about your baby's kidney development or function. This might include abnormal findings on ultrasound, a family history of kidney abnormalities, or certain high-risk pregnancy conditions. The test helps your healthcare team assess your baby's renal health and plan appropriate care.

Is the amniocentesis procedure safe?

Amniocentesis is generally considered safe, but it does carry some risks. The main risk is a small chance (about 1 in 300-500) of miscarriage. Other possible complications include cramping, leakage of amniotic fluid, infection, or injury to the baby or placenta. Your healthcare provider will discuss these risks with you and take precautions to minimize them.

Does this test tell me the sex of my baby?

No, this specific test measures urea levels and does not determine fetal sex. However, if you have amniocentesis for other reasons, the sample could potentially be used for genetic testing that determines sex, but this would require a separate test and your explicit consent.

When will I get my results?

The time to receive results can vary depending on the laboratory. Typically, results may be available within a few days to a week. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results and explain what they mean for your pregnancy.

What happens if the results are abnormal?

If your results show abnormal urea levels, your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you in detail. Additional testing may be recommended, such as more detailed ultrasound examinations, repeated amniocentesis, or consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. The management plan will depend on the specific findings and how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Sources

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