BLOOD UREA NITROGEN
Types
- 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 ener...
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
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
