Urea Test

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test (BUN) test is primarily used to evaluate the kidney function of the patient. It may also be prescribed to evaluate a patient’s general health status. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when protein is metabolized in the body. Urea is released by the liver in the blood and carried to the kidneys. Here is filtered out of the body through urine. Since this is an ongoing process a small but stable amount of urea nitrogen circulates in the blood which is not harmful. Although when the kidneys cannot perform well and fail to filter out the waste, the level of urea rises in the blood. The symptoms related to the dysfunction of kidney include frequent urination, pain while urinating, swelling in arms, legs, ankles, around eyes, joint or bone pain, and continuous fatigue.

The patient is advised to inform his/her medicine intake to the doctor prior to the test as some medicines can alter the test results. If you are prescribed only for a BUN test, you can eat and drink normally but if any other tests are prescribed it may include fasting before the test.

The results of the BUN test are considered to be normal id between 7 to 20 mg/dL. Several things can affect your BUN test results, so having a BUN level that is lower or higher than the normal range doesn’t always mean there is a problem. It is advised to consult the doctor for further diagnosis. Higher level Dehydration Urinary tract obstruction Shock Stress Lower level are usually rare, but if detected it can be due to liver diseases.

A band is wrapped around the arm, preferably near the elbow pit such that vein is clearly seen The area is cleaned with 70% alcohol The needle is inserted into the visible vein causing a small prick and the required amount of blood sample is collected The collected blood is transferred into the blood container from the nozzle and the syringe is hygienically disposed immediately