Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test

What is a Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)Test?

A blood urea nitrogen test or BUN test is performed to evaluate how well the kidneys work. The liver breaks down the protein into smaller components, producing BUN, or blood urea nitrogen. Typically, the kidneys filter out this waste, which is then eliminated from the body through urination. Unhealthy kidneys have trouble removing BUN and leaving more of it in the blood; as a result, the levels of urea and nitrogen keep rising. The blood urea nitrogen test, also called a BUN blood test or serum BUN test, measures how much of the waste product you have in your blood.

When is the Quantitative beta hCG pregnancy test done?

A doctor may recommend Blood Urea Nitrogen blood (BUN)tests

• To detect kidney function
• To determine the effectiveness of dialysis treatment.
• As a routine investigation
• While treating diabetes
• To rule out GI disorder
• Dehydration
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Congestive heart failure

What are the other forms of b hCG pregnancy test?

BUN tests can be done alone or with a creatinine blood test to diagnose kidney disease appropriately.

What is the standard reference range for the Blood Urea nitrogen (BUN)test?

The usual result is generally 6 to 20 mg/dL

More than 20 mg/dL may be due to the following reasons

• Dehydration
• Heart failure.
• The kidney is not functioning properly
• A high-protein diet
• Addison's disease
• tissue damage (such as from severe burns)
• bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Higher BUN-to-creatinine ratios occur with sudden (acute) kidney problems and may indicate shock or severe dehydration

• Lower Blood urea nitrogen( BUN) levels can indicate:
• Liver failure.
• Malnutrition.
• Severe lack of protein in the diet.
• Overhydration.

How is the Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)test done?

• The test requires a blood sample
• This test poses no risk to the patient.
• Results are usually reported within a few hours after the blood is drawn.