We are all aware of how amazingly the human body functions. Everything we consume is broken into necessary nutrients and absorbed accordingly. Also, the waste generated is discarded efficiently. However, at times our body fails to function properly, and we need to diagnose and treat it.
One such function is where our liver breaks down the proteins. In this process, it produces ammonia that contains nitrogen which later merges with other compounds to form urea. The onus of eliminating the urea lies with your body, but it depends on how well your kidneys are working.
What is BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test?
BUN test or Blood Urea Nitrogen test is used to evaluate kidney function by measuring the amount of nitrogen in your blood.
Why is the BUN test done?
The BUN test, along with blood creatinine test or blood urea test, is used to evaluate kidney function. Further, it also helps evaluate other conditions that might be damaging the body.
Other conditions diagnosed by BUN test
When there are signs and symptoms that something is wrong with your kidney, your doctor may advise for a blood urea test along with a blood creatinine test to diagnose the following conditions:
- Kidney damage
- Effectiveness of dialysis in case you are on the treatment
- Liver damage
- Dehydration
- Urinary tract infection and obstruction
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Congestive heart failure
Though all the conditions apart from that of the kidney may not be confirmed only with BUN test, the doctor will attain a fair idea and advice further.
When should you opt for a BUN test?
When you start noticing most of the symptoms mentioned below, it could mean that it is time to do a BUN test.
- Frequent need to urinate is the first sign of slight damage in the kidney
- Your urine is foamy or bloody; might also turn brown
- You may experience pain during urinating
- There can be swelling in arms, wrists, eyes, abdomen and face
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Pain in the mid-back
- Muscle cramps
- Restless sleeping pattern
Once you perform tests used to evaluate kidney functions, and they do not lie within the normal BUN range, it is essential to follow instructions by the doctor to recover.
Preparation before the BUN test
When you’re going to get yourself tested for BUN, you can eat and drink as per your usual habit. There is no need to fast before you go for the test. Inform regarding any medications that you are currently taking. Sometimes these alter with the test results; hence the doctor may advise to stop them for a certain amount of time before the test.
What to expect during the BUN test?
The blood sample collection procedure is a straightforward one, where only a small amount of your blood is drawn out.
You can either opt for a blood sample collection at home or visit a nearby lab.
Know your result
After the test, you can expect the BUN test results usually by the end of the day.
What is BUN Normal Level?
The BUN normal range is 7 to 20 mg per deciliter.
What is BUN Low Level?
In case your reports show low BUN range, i.e. below 7, it may be because of the following reasons-
- Liver diseases
- Malnutrition
- Overhydration
What is BUN High Level?
BUN high range, i.e. above 20 mg may indicate
- Dehydration
- Heart failure
- Anxiety
It may not be viable to relate a particular health condition with the BUN Test results. The doctor may ask you for advanced tests to confirm the speculations.
Also Read – A Guide To Keep Your Liver Healthy
BUN Test price in India
BUNTest price in India may differ according to your location. However, the BUNTest cost starts from Rs. 50 and may go as high as Rs. 250 at some metropolitan cities. There are also places where charges are as high as Rs. 350 but not more than that.
Takeaway
BUN high range or low range will not always indicate chronic diseases. Please consult a doctor and follow his advice to ensure a speedy recovery.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
