BUN or Blood Urea Nitrogen test is conducted to measure the nitrogen content of the blood. Nitrogen in the blood comes from urea, the waste product. When there is a breakdown of protein in the body, urea is formed. It is then passed out from the body through urine from the liver. The test is an effective way to find how well the kidneys are functioning.
The medical practitioner may ask you to undergo the test as the very part of general health screening. It helps the doctor to learn how well your kidneys function. After you eat, the body produces waste normally in the form of urea nitrogen. It is the task of liver to break down protein from the food and hence create BUN. This waste is released by liver into the blood stream which ultimately passes through the urine via the kidneys.
What does higher level of urea nitrogen suggests?
Waste from the blood is flushed out from the kidney through urine. But, if the waste matter is more in the bloodstream, it implies there is some problem in the kidney. Healthy kidneys can get rid of BUN in an easy manner while inefficient kidneys eliminate only a small portion of this waste. Inefficient kidney leaves the waste in the blood. The serum BUN test is carried out to measure the amount of waste. Well, if the doctor has prescribed BUN test, don’t panic. It may be the part of routine blood test or the part of general health checkup. For those who have high fever, nausea and vomiting, they may be prescribed Chikungunya test along with BUN test. Within the healthcare package, a variety of tests will be included.
Signs and symptoms suggesting that you need the test
The doctor can prescribe you BUN test when you show any of the following symptoms:
- any change in the quantity of urine
- bloody, foamy or discolored pee
- pain when you urinate
- burning sensation in the genital area
- swelling in various regions of the body like legs, arms, wrists, face, eyes or abdomen
- bone pain or extreme joint ache
- restless sleep
Preparation for the test
Prior to taking the test, let your doctor know what other medications you take. Medication may alter or disturb the test result and so it is important to inform the doctor about it. Fasting is required when other kinds of blood tests are to be carried out along with BUN test.
The way the test is conducted
The lab professional takes the sample of your blood and sends it to the lab. Blood is drawn from the vein of the arm. Normal range of urea nitrogen is 7-20 mg per deciliter. If the range is not normal, the doctor can prescribe other kinds of tests to confirm the result.
Health checkup packages should be considered to stay away from deadly medical conditions like kidney diseases, heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension and others. The package must include a series of health checkups. As our lifestyle is characterized by stress, poor eating habits, inadequate sleep, we must be careful of our health.
