Blood Urea Nitrogen - Kidney Test
This test measures the level of urea nitrogen in your blood. It is one of the tests that is used to evaluate the health of your kidneys.
A blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, measures the level of urea nitrogen in your blood. It is frequently ordered with a creatinine test to see how well the kidneys are working. Your healthcare provider may recommend a BUN test to:
- Determine if kidney disease is present
- Monitor kidney dysfunction or failure
The BUN is often part of the bloodwork ordered when one has a periodic health examination.
Urea nitrogen is a form of chemical waste that is made when the liver breaks down proteins. The kidneys normally filter urea nitrogen out of the blood and release it in the urine.
- A small amount of urea nitrogen in the blood is normal.
- When the kidneys are not functioning normally, their ability to filter out waste products is impaired. That is when the level of urea in the blood rises.
- Unfortunately, the BUN can rise even when kidney function is normal (see Risks, Benefits and More Information). Therefore, the BUN is rarely ordered as the only test of kidney function.
In an adult, the blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
- Some medications can interfere with the test. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop taking any medications before the test.
- Do not stop taking any medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Blood Urea Nitrogen – Kidney TestLaboratory WorkBlood Urea NitrogenBUNKidney DamageKidney InfectionKidney FailureKidney DiseaseKidney Blood TestUrea NitrogenNitrogenUreaBUN - Kidney Blood Test
A blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, measures the level of urea nitrogen in your blood. It is frequently ordered with a creatinine test to see how well the kidneys are working. Your healthcare provider may recommend a BUN test to:
- Determine if kidney disease is present
- Monitor kidney dysfunction or failure
The BUN is often part of the bloodwork ordered when one has a periodic health examination.
Urea nitrogen is a form of chemical waste that is made when the liver breaks down proteins. The kidneys normally filter urea nitrogen out of the blood and release it in the urine.
- A small amount of urea nitrogen in the blood is normal.
- When the kidneys are not functioning normally, their ability to filter out waste products is impaired. That is when the level of urea in the blood rises.
- Unfortunately, the BUN can rise even when kidney function is normal (see Risks, Benefits and More Information). Therefore, the BUN is rarely ordered as the only test of kidney function.
In an adult, the blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
- Some medications can interfere with the test. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop taking any medications before the test.
- Do not stop taking any medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
Source UHC.com
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