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Blood Urea Nitrogen

Also known as Serum BUN

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Blood Urea Nitrogen

What is Blood Urea Nitrogen?

A Blood Urea Nitrogen test measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood. This test is done to detect any kidney disease or damage, or if you are undergoing treatment for any known kidney disease. It is often done as part of routine health checkups to determine your kidney function.

Blood urea is the breakdown product of the amino acids which are present in proteins. When proteins break down, they produce nitrogen in the form of ammonia in the liver. The nitrogen combines with other chemicals in the liver to form the waste product called urea. This urea is released into the blood and carried to the kidneys where it is filtered out of the blood and flushed from the body through urine. Usually, healthy kidneys remove more than 90% of the urea the body produces, so determining blood urea levels can show how well your kidneys are working.

Your doctor may advise a Blood Urea Nitrogen test if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, etc. People with early-stage kidney disease may not show symptoms, but this test can help detect such kidney problems so that the treatment can be more effective. This test also helps determine the effectiveness of dialysis treatment in kidney disease patients. Usually, no special preparation is required for a BUN test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your kidney health, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Blood Urea Nitrogen used for?

A Blood Urea Nitrogen test is done:

As part of routine health checkups.
In the case of signs and symptoms of kidney disease.
To screen for kidney disease if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
To check for the effectiveness of ongoing treatment for kidney diseases.
To help determine the effectiveness of dialysis treatment if someone is receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

What does Blood Urea Nitrogen measure?

A Blood Urea Nitrogen test measures the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood. Blood urea is a waste product that is formed in the liver when you eat food and the protein is metabolized into amino acids. This process leads to the production of ammonia that is further converted into urea. Both ammonia and urea are nitrogenous compounds. Your liver releases urea into the blood which is then carried out to the kidneys. In the kidneys, urea is filtered from the blood and flushed out of the body via urine. This is a continuous process, so a small amount of urea nitrogen always remains in the blood.

In the case of a kidney or liver disease, there is a change in the amount of urea present in the blood. If your liver produces urea in an increased amount or if there is any problem in kidney functioning, there might be difficulty in filtering out the waste products from the blood, which can result in increased urea levels in the blood.

Interpreting Blood Urea Nitrogen results

Interpretations

The reference range for BUN is as follows:

Age	Reference range in mg/dL
0 - 1 week	3 - 25
1 week - 1 year	4- 19
1 - 12 years	5 - 18
12 - 60 years	6 - 20
60 - 90 years	8- 23
> 90 years	10 - 31

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blood Urea Nitrogen

Frequently Asked Questions about Blood Urea Nitrogen

Q. When should I get a blood urea nitrogen test done?

You may need a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test if you are suspected of having any kidney disease or symptoms such as swelling or puffiness around the eyes, ankles, and wrist; foamy or bloody urine; burning sensation while urinating; back pain; loss of appetite; or high blood pressure.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a BUN test?

There is no risk associated with a BUN test. However, you may feel slight pain at the site where a needle is used to prick to collect a blood sample, which is usually self-limiting. Rarely, some people may also experience swelling or bruising at the injection site. Applying ice over that area 3-4 times a week may provide relief. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What does a high level of BUN indicate about my health?

Always consult your doctor if your BUN level is higher-than-normal. A high BUN level may indicate underlying health issues, such as acute or chronic kidney failure, urinary tract obstruction, or dehydration.

Q. What happens if my BUN level is low?

Always consult your doctor if your BUN level is lower-than-normal. A low BUN level may indicate that you are having a low-protein and high carbohydrates diet or have liver failure.

Q. What other tests can be advised by the doctor along with a BUN test?

Your doctor may suggest a creatinine test or renal panel along with a BUN test if they suspect kidney diseases.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction?

The signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction include swelling around eyes or in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs or ankles, fatigue, lack of concentration, poor appetite, and difficulty sleeping. The other symptoms can be foamy or bloody or coffee-colored urine, decrease in the amount of urine, discomfort in urinating (e.g., feeling of burning sensation while urinating or passage of discharge while urinating), change in frequency of urination, mid back pain below the ribs, and high blood pressure.

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References

Blood Urea Nitrogen - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. Rochester.edu. Published 2019. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=urea_nitrogen_serum

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test | American Kidney Fund. www.kidneyfund.org. Published 05 Jan. 2022. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/tests/blood-urea-nitrogen-bun-test