Test Overview
Particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric Immunoassay
Acute Kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious condition in critically ill patients. AKI is associated with poorer overall outcomes, including increased mortality, prolonged length of stay, and increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an emerging biomarker for the early detection of AKI. Studies have shown NGAL to be a highly induced protein in the kidney after ischemic or nephrotoxic injury. When added to currently used criteria of serum creatinine and urine output, NGAL can help to identify those at risk of progressing to worsening AKI.
Elevations of urine NGAL are not entirely kidney specific, and can also be observed with infections, inflammation, and in some cancer patients. Urine levels greater than 300 ng/ml yield a higher specificity
FDA approved for >\= 3 months to <\= 22 years of age
NGAL level Interpretation
<149 ng/ml AKI risk: Low
150 - 300 ng/ml AKI risk: Moderate
>300 ng/ml AKI risk: High
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
24 hours
Specimen Requirements
Collect a random urine specimen. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.