BLOOD UREA NITROGEN

Description

  • BUN - 7-18 mg /dl
  • Urea – 10- 40 mg/dl
  • BUN reflects only the nitrogen content of Urea and Urea measurement reflects the whole of the molecule, Urea is approximately twice(2.14)that of BUN

Clinical significance

  • The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is used primarily to evaluate Renal function. Urea is formed in the liver as the end Product of protein metabolism .
  • During digestion, protein is broken down to amino acids. Amino acids contain nitrogen, which is removed as NH4+ (ammonium ion), while the rest of the molecule is used to produce energy or other substances needed by the cell .
  • Ammonia is combined with other small molecules to produce urea. Urea makes its way into the blood and it is ultimately eliminated in the urine by the kidneys. 
  • Because urea is cleared from the bloodstream by the kidneys, a test measuring how much urea nitrogen remains in the blood can be used as a test of renal function. BUN gives an estimation of blood urea (the end product of protein and amino acid catabolism). 
  • A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is done to determine whether the kidneys are functioning normally , to monitor treatment of kidney disease, to determine whether a person is severely dehydrated. 
  • The test may also be performed in acute nephritic syndrome, chronic renal failure, dementia due to metabolic causes, diabetic nephropathy, digitalis toxicity, epilepsy, Goodpasture’s syndrome, Non Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Wilm’s Tumor.

When to get tested

  • When a Renal disease is suspected with s/s like Blood and or protein in urine, Puffiness around the eyes or face , Foamy Urine, Decrease in the amount of Urine

Elevated level

  • Renal failure
  • Congestive heart failure 
  • Excessive protein catabolism (for example, starvation)
  • Excessive protein ingestion 
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Hypovolemia 
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Renal disease (glomerulo nephritis, pyelonephritis, and acute tubular necrosis)
  • Shock
  • Urinary tract obstruction (tumor, stones prostatic hypertrophy)
  • Pre renal azotemia
  • Post renal azotemia

Decreased level

  • Liver failure
  • Low protein diet
  • Malnutrition
  • Over hydration
  • Third trimester of pregnancy

Profile

Renal

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