WHY BUN TEST IS DONE

Table of Contents

1. Blood Urea Nitrogen
2. Creatinine
3. Kidney Function
4. Signs and Symptoms
5. Preparation
6. Procedure
7. Results
8. Risks
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Blood Urea Nitrogen

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product that is produced when protein is broken down in the body. It is carried in the blood to the kidneys, where it is filtered out and excreted in the urine. BUN levels can be elevated in a number of conditions, including kidney disease, dehydration, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Creatinine

Creatinine is another waste product that is produced by the muscles. It is also filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. Creatinine levels can be elevated in conditions that damage the muscles, such as kidney disease and muscular dystrophy.

Kidney Function

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. They also help to regulate blood pressure and produce hormones that are essential for bone health and red blood cell production. BUN and creatinine tests are used to assess kidney function.

Signs and Symptoms

High BUN and creatinine levels may indicate kidney disease. Symptoms of kidney disease can include:

• Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Muscle cramps
• High blood pressure

Preparation

No special preparation is required for a BUN or creatinine test. However, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications that can interfere with the results of the tests.

Procedure

A BUN or creatinine test is a simple blood test. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Results

BUN and creatinine levels are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal BUN levels range from 7 to 20 mg/dL. Normal creatinine levels range from 0.8 to 1.2 mg/dL.

High BUN and creatinine levels may indicate kidney disease. However, other conditions can also cause high BUN and creatinine levels. Your doctor will order additional tests to determine the cause of your high BUN and creatinine levels.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with a BUN or creatinine test. Some people may experience a slight stinging or bruising at the site of the blood draw.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a BUN test?

A BUN test measures the level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in your blood. BUN is a waste product that is produced when protein is broken down in the body.

2. What is a creatinine test?

A creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles.

3. Why are BUN and creatinine tests done?

BUN and creatinine tests are used to assess kidney function.

4. What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Symptoms of kidney disease can include swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, and itching.

5. How are BUN and creatinine tests done?

BUN and creatinine tests are simple blood tests. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.