Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test Price and Details
16 labs availableLast Updated On Thursday, May 15, 2025
The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test is a blood test that determines the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood to diagnose the kidney function. The BUN test can diagnose liver disease, dehydration, and kidney disease by checking how well the kidneys are removing waste.
What is the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test?
BUN test meaning is that it is a test during which blood is drawn and examined to estimate the amount of urea nitrogen present in the blood. Urea nitrogen is breakdown of body proteins and removal of blood by the body via kidneys. It's a check to determine how well your kidneys are functioning, but it can be done to determine how well other organs such as the liver are functioning. BUN level is taken to determine how well your kidneys are functioning to get rid of waste products, or whether kidney function is decreased in some way.
Why Is the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test Done?
Kidney function test and whether the kidneys are successfully clearing the waste products from the blood or not is the most prevalent cause for which the test is given. BUN test for dehydration, Kidney disease diagnosis, liver disease monitors these diseases.
The examination can be one of a routine examination of the healthy functioning of kidneys, or one of a number of examinations to establish the etiology of such presentations as weakness, edema, or dyspnea, all signs of renal failure. BUN is also taken intermittently to monitor treated patients with renal disease, or in agents depressing kidney function.
Reasons for Testing
- Kidney Disease or Dysfunction: Abnormal BUN levels in kidney disease is a reflection of kidney impairment since it reflects kidneys' inability to excrete metabolic waste products from the blood.
- Liver Disease: Liver breaks down the urea and therefore Blood urea nitrogen test in liver disease may lead to abnormal outcome.
- Dehydration: Increased BUN may be secondary to dehydration since reduced fluid status may result in concentration of waste in the blood.
- Heart Failure: Also, the heart failure will decrease the efficiency of the kidneys and raise the BUN value.
- Urinary Tract Obstruction: Kidney stone disease or urinary tract obstruction will decrease the efficiency of the kidneys and raise the BUN value.
Who Should Be Tested?
BUN test is also required in presenting or risk patients of kidney or liver damage. Presenting and risk factors include edema, weakness, shortness of breath, or alteration in urine output and respiration. Hypertensive, diabetic, and renal disease patients also need BUN test from time to time to evaluate renal function on follow-up.
Also, patients with cardiovascular disease or dialysis can be screened from time to time for renal function and can be treated based on it.
Test Procedure and Preparation
Having a BUN test is also very easy. In Urea nitrogen test procedure, a blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm at a hospital lab or clinic. It is then analyzed in a lab to calculate the blood's concentration of urea nitrogen. The entire process only takes minutes.
Does Fasting Have a Role?
Fasting is not usually required for the BUN test, but your doctor might require fasting or other preparation if other tests are being done. It is always best to follow your health care provider's instructions, such as whether or not to fast for associated tests, such as a creatinine test or a comprehensive metabolic panel.
How the Blood Sample Is Taken
For your BUN test preparation, one of your healthcare workers will swab where they'll put the first needle in, probably your crease of the elbow, and draw blood. It's fast, and you'll feel stinging when they put the needle in. They draw blood into a small tube or vial, and they'll test it in the lab.
Normal and Abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Values
Normal serum vitamin D level in a normal adult patient is typically 7–20 mg/dL in the majority of labs, though it is slightly different among labs and with respect to which test is being utilized.
Normal Range of BUN
Blood urea nitrogen normal range is typically 7 to 20 mg/dL. Interpretation of BUN results between this range are a sign that kidneys are normal and functioning well in removing waste products of the body.
Low and High Level Meanings
- Elevated BUN levels: Elevated level of BUN indicates kidney disease, congestive heart failure, dehydration, or high protein intake. If the kidneys are injured, then the kidneys will not be able to eliminate the urea from blood and hence there will be High BUN levels. Elevated BUN levels are also seen in liver disease because the liver also possesses the activity of urea synthesis.
- Low BUN Values: Rare, but decreased BUN can also suggest severe liver disease, starvation, or overhydration. If the liver won't work effectively, then the liver won't be able to produce as much urea, so therefore Low BUN levels.
Signs and Pathology of Abnormal BUN Values
Alarming Signs
Warning signs and symptoms of kidney injury which will lead to a BUN test are:
- Swelling of leg, ankle, or eyelid
- Fatigue or severe fatigue
- Recurrent urination disorders, i.e., dark or foamy urine
- Dyspnea when in recumbent position, especially
- Nausea and vomiting
Risk Factors
Risk factors for kidney disease and abnormal BUN values are augmented in:
- Diabetes and hypertension
- Genetic or familial etiology of renal disease
- Age, renal function worsens with age
- Alcohol or smoking
- Heart disease and obesity
Difference Between Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Other Tests
Although the test for BUN is a sensitive indicator of the function of kidneys, it alone is usually conducted with other tests, like that for creatinine, in anticipation of finding evidence of kidney function.
The second useful test is the BUN creatinine ratio test which will be useful in determining whether kidney disease or dehydration is the cause behind the high BUN. BUN level may be influenced by diet, heart disease, and dehydration but the level of creatinine is more directly linked to kidney function.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test Cost
The Blood urea nitrogen test cost will vary depending on the lab, location, and whether other work is being performed. A BUN test will be priced between 400 rupees and 1500 rupees in Pakistan. The cheapest price will be obtained by contacting your doctor or lab.
How to Book a BUN Test with InstaCare?
It is easy to get a BUN test from InstaCare. Order online or call the customer service line to schedule an appointment. InstaCare offer easy and convenient access to lab testing with rapid results online. Their affordability also makes it easy to have faith in the test for accurate results.
The BUN test is required to diagnose kidney disease and to monitor kidney function. It identifies abnormalities and directs treatment, especially in those with risk factors like diabetes. Always consult your doctor to have results explained and what to do.
What is the BUN test for?
BUN testing is usually requested to evaluate kidney function, to screen for disease of the kidneys, and to evaluate for dehydration and liver disease.
How should I prepare for a BUN test?
You don't need to fast or otherwise prepare for a BUN test unless your physician instructs you to do otherwise if you're having the test to find some other condition as well.
What is elevated BUN mean?
High BUN occurs in kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure, and liver disease. Your doctor has to make further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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