BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

Blood urea nitrogen or commonly known as BUN measures the performance capacity and competence of the kidneys.

The occurrence or development of kidney or liver disease can be reviewed. BUN levels slowly increases with the increasing age. Children and women have lower blood urea nitrogen levels as compared to young

men. It also evaluates the obstruction of urine, the degree of revival from burns and the mental bewilderment connected with kidney failure. The blood urea nitrogen test or BUNis used with the creatinine test, to estimation kidney’s task in various situations.

In take of diuretics and certain other medications also affects the efficacy of this test. Kidney related diseases results in destruction of the kidneys to clean as much urea as they should do. This leads to higher levels of urea in the blood.

Urea is a squander product formed by the breakdown of protein in the kidneys. Ureais passed by the blood to the kidneys that sieve the urea out from the blood into the urine. This blood urea nitrogen test or BUN measures and diagnose acute as well as chronic kidney failure.

Certain medications affect the test result also. Proper guidance from the doctor is very much recommended. The area of removal is cleansed with a sterile antiseptic lotion and blood is sucked from the vein in the elbow. The blood is gathered in an air tight bottle or vials which should be sterile. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is detached, and the pierced site is enclosed to stop any further bleeding.

The area of perforation should be taken care of as inflammation and redness may appear. The patient can also apply moist warm compresses for getting the relief.

The normal range for blood urea nitrogen test or BUN is as follows

7 to 20 mg/dl for adults
5-18 mg/dl for children
8-20 mg/dl for the elderly.

BUN or blood urea nitrogen test levels can be inconsistent and indecisive many a times.

The BUN or blood urea nitrogen test level may be lesser than normal because of following

A little protein diet
Use of corticosteroids
Malnourished liver
Celiac disease
Liver damage
Overhydration
Pregnancy.

The condition in which BUN or blood urea nitrogen test levels may be higher than normal is known as Uremia, or Azotemia . This occurs because following reasons: -

Heart failure or heart attack
Dehydration
High protein diet
Blockage of urinary tract
Shock
Bleeding in the gastro intestinal tract
Kidney impairment.

Severe kidney damage might be the outcome of higher BUN levels i.e. more than 100 mg/dl.

The disparity between the occurrence of kidney disease and inequity in dietary protein metabolism is assessed by the BUN / Creatinine ratio. It is a noteworthy indicator of the kidney’s filtering function and an index of the amount of hydration in the body. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is generally 10:1-20:1 and up to 30:1 for babies who are less than a year old.