Understanding Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test: Purpose and Result

The BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood to assess kidney function and overall health. It is a commonly performed test that helps diagnose and monitor conditions related to kidney health.

BUN Test

Here are the basic details for the BUN Test.

Also Known As	Blood Urea Nitrogen Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Check urea nitrogen levels in the blood
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	All
Age-Group	Any
Normal Value	7 - 20 mg/dL
Reporting Time	1 - 2 Hours
Cost	50 - 100 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

BUN Test Full Form

The Full Form of BUN Test is Blood Urea Nitrogen Test.

BUN Test Means

BUN Test is a blood test that measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood.
BUN test helps assess kidney function and how well the kidneys are filtering waste products.
Elevated BUN levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or urinary tract obstruction.
Low BUN levels can be associated with liver disease or malnutrition.

BUN Test Purpose

Here is the basic purpose of the BUN Test.

Assess kidney function
Measure urea nitrogen levels in the blood
Evaluate the kidneys' ability to filter waste products
Diagnose and monitor kidney-related conditions
Provide a comprehensive assessment of kidney health in conjunction with other tests

BUN Test: Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose

BUN Test Preparation

Here's the BUN Test preparation before, during, and after the test.

Before Test

Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider, such as fasting requirements or specific medications to avoid.
Stay well-hydrated by drinking water unless otherwise instructed.

During Test

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle.
Relax and cooperate during the blood draw process.

After Test

Apply pressure to the puncture site with a cotton ball or gauze to stop any bleeding.
If necessary, a bandage may be applied to the puncture site.
You can resume your normal activities and diet unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

BUN Test Procedure

Here is the basic BUN Test procedure.

The area was cleaned with antiseptic.
Needle inserted, blood collected.
The pressure was applied to stop the bleeding.
Sample sent for analysis.

BUN Test Results

Here is the basic meaning of interpreting BUN Test results.

High BUN levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration.
Low BUN levels can be associated with liver disease or malnutrition.
Results are interpreted in conjunction with other tests and clinical information.
Consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive interpretation of results.
BUN test helps assess kidney function and overall health status.

BUN Test Report

BUN Test report - Drlogy Test

BUN Test Report PDF

BUN Test Normal Report

Blood Urea Nitrogen Bun Test Normal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

BUN Normal Test Report PDF Format

BUN Test Normal Result Report PDF

BUN Test Abnormal Report

Blood Urea Nitrogen Bun Test Abnormal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

BUN Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

BUN Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

BUN Test Normal Range

Here's the normal range for BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test results.

Test	Normal Range
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	7 - 20 mg/dL

BUN Test Interpretation

Here's an example of BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test interpretation.

BUN Level	Interpretation
Below 7 mg/dL	Low BUN level
7 - 20 mg/dL	Normal range
Above 20 mg/dL	High BUN level, indicating kidney function issues or dehydration

BUN Test High Levels

Here are the potential causes of high BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) levels.

High BUN Levels	Possible Causes
Kidney dysfunction	Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure
Dehydration	Inadequate fluid intake, excessive fluid loss
Urinary tract obstruction	Blockage in the urinary system
High protein intake	Consuming large amounts of protein-rich foods
Medications	Certain medications, such as diuretics or corticosteroids

BUN Test Low Levels

Here are the potential causes of low BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) levels.

Low BUN Levels	Possible Causes
Liver disease	Severe liver damage or dysfunction
Malnutrition	Inadequate protein intake or malabsorption
Overhydration	Excessive fluid intake or fluid retention
Pregnancy	Normal physiological changes during pregnancy
Certain medications	Certain medications, such as antibiotics or diuretics

Specimen Requirements For BUN Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the BUN Test.

Specimen	Blood or Serum
Volume	2 - 5 ml
Container	Red top Serum separator tube

BUN Test is Safe?

The BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test is generally considered safe.

It is a routine blood test that poses minimal risk to the patient.
The procedure involves a simple blood draw and carries a low risk of complications such as infection or excessive bleeding.

When Do You Get BUN Test Results?

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test results are typically available within a 1 - 2 hours, depending on the laboratory and testing facility.
The exact turnaround time may vary, and it's best to check with the specific facility or healthcare provider for an estimated timeline.

BUN Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the BUN Test.

Limited specificity for kidney function assessment.
Can be influenced by factors other than kidney function.
Not a standalone diagnostic test for kidney disease.
Interpretation should consider other clinical information.
Follow-up tests may be necessary for comprehensive evaluation.

BUN Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the BUN Test.

Dehydration can lead to elevated BUN levels.
Kidney disease or impairment can increase BUN levels.
Certain medications or medical conditions can affect BUN levels.

Doctor Recommendations After BUN Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after BUN Test.

BUN Test Results	Doctor to Visit	Reason
High	Nephrologist	Kidney dysfunction or dehydration
Normal	General Practitioner	Routine monitoring or general health
Low	General Practitioner	Low protein intake or liver dysfunction

BUN Test Price

Here are the estimated BUN Test Price in India with top different cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	100 - 200
New Delhi	100 - 200
Bangalore	100 - 200
Hyderabad	100 - 200
Kolkata	100 - 150
Pune	100 - 150
Lucknow	100 - 200
Noida	100 - 200
Surat	100 - 150
Gurugram	100 - 150
Patna	100 - 200
Chennai	100 - 150
Jaipur	100 - 200
Ahmedabad	100 - 150

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, BUN Test is a safe and routine blood test used to assess kidney function by measuring urea nitrogen levels in the blood. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Blood Urea Nitrogen - Wikipedia [1].
The Value of Blood Urea Nitrogen in the Prediction of Risks of Cardiovascular Disease in an Older Population - NIH [2].

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BUN Test FAQ

What is normal BUN score?

The normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can vary depending on the laboratory and individual factors. Generally, a normal BUN range is between 7 to 20 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults. However, it is important to note that normal reference ranges may slightly differ between laboratories. BUN levels need to be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical information to assess kidney function and overall health. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to understand the specific reference ranges and the implications of BUN levels based on individual circumstances.

Is urea and BUN the same?

Urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are related but not exactly the same. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver during protein metabolism. It is released into the bloodstream and transported to the kidneys for excretion. BUN, on the other hand, is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the form of urea present in the blood. BUN levels are used as an indicator of kidney function. When the kidneys are healthy, they efficiently filter urea from the blood, leading to normal BUN levels. Elevated BUN levels can indicate potential kidney dysfunction or impairment. Therefore, while urea and BUN are related, BUN specifically refers to the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

What does a high BUN level mean?

A high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level indicates that there is an elevated concentration of urea nitrogen in the bloodstream. Urea is a waste product produced by the liver during protein metabolism and is normally excreted by the kidneys. An increased BUN level suggests that the kidneys may not be effectively removing urea from the body, indicating potential kidney dysfunction or impairment. However, it is important to note that a high BUN level alone is not diagnostic of a specific condition and further medical evaluation is required to determine the underlying cause.

Is high BUN creatinine bad?

A high BUN to creatinine ratio may indicate dehydration or certain medical conditions, but it is not inherently "bad." BUN and creatinine are both waste products filtered by the kidneys, and their levels are used to assess kidney function. An elevated BUN-to-creatinine ratio can be an indicator of decreased blood flow to the kidneys or certain kidney diseases. However, the significance of this ratio depends on various factors, such as the individual's age, overall health, and other clinical findings. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to interpret the results accurately and determine the appropriate course of action.