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Blood Urea Nitrogen Test

Dr. Abhishtita MudunuriLast Updated on 21st March 2022

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test, or BUN as it is often called, is a test that determines the blood urea nitrogen levels in your body. It can be done by people of all ages and helps determine how well your kidneys function. This test is also sometimes referred to as the serum BUN test or the Urea Nitrogen test. Doing a BUN test helps in the early detection of potential kidney disease, making treatment more effective.

What is the Blood Urea Nitrogen test used for?Procedure for Blood Urea Nitrogen test How to prepare for the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?Things to consider after the Blood Urea Nitrogen test is complete What types of conditions can the Blood Urea Nitrogen test detect?How much does the Blood Urea Nitrogen test cost?*How long does it take to get the Blood Urea Nitrogen test results?What do abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen test results indicate?

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What is the Blood Urea Nitrogen test used for?

A Blood Urea Nitrogen test is used as part of a routine check-up or to see if the doctor suspects you have kidney disease. Certain factors put you at a higher risk of kidney disease. These include:

Diabetes
Heart Disease
Family history of kidney diseases
High Blood Pressure

The following symptoms are also indicative of kidney disease. If you are experiencing any of them, booking a BUN test is critical.

Itching
Fatigue
Need to urinate more frequently
Restlessness while sleeping
Muscle Cramps
Swelling in the legs, feet, arms, abdomen, face, and back
Painful urination
Pee that is brown, discoloured, foamy, or bloody

What is included in the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea, also called urea nitrogen, is a waste product the body produces after eating. It is formed in the liver. From there, it travels through the blood and to the kidneys. Next, the kidneys filter urea from the blood and into the urine. Finally, it is removed from the body through urination.

Some urea in the blood is normal and indicates healthy functioning. However, if BUN levels are abnormally high, the kidneys aren’t functioning well and may be a sign of damage or disease.

Procedure for Blood Urea Nitrogen test

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test is just like any other blood test. First, a healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm or the back of your hand using a needle. A slight sting when the needle is inserted is natural. Then, the blood sample is collected in a vial or a test tube.

Your arm may feel a little sore once the sample collection is completed. However, it is nothing to be worried about, and you can safely resume your normal activities. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes.

Book a Blood Urea Nitrogen test to check your blood urea nitrogen level!

How to prepare for the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?

Before the Blood Urea Nitrogen test is conducted, inform your doctor about any medications. If any of these medications may potentially alter your test results, you may be asked to stop taking them.

A BUN test does not require any special preparation on your part. You are free to drink and eat as you usually do. However, if you have been advised to take this test alongside other tests, special precautions may need to be exercised (such as fasting).

Things to consider after the Blood Urea Nitrogen test is complete

After the Blood Urea Nitrogen test is completed, applying pressure to the puncture site using a cotton swab or bandage is recommended. This helps in preventing potential bleeding. Some tenderness or bruising in your arm following the test is common. This goes away on its own in some time.

If you were asked to fast before the test, you should consider eating something before doing anything else. Following this, you can resume your normal activities. This also includes driving and going to work.

Now, all that is left is to wait for your BUN test results to come out. You should receive them within a few days.

What types of conditions can the Blood Urea Nitrogen test detect?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test can detect several diseases and infections. The primary disease that is detected through a BUN test is kidney disease. High BUN levels can also indicate other problems, such as dehydration, gastrointestinal disease, heart disease, stress, shock, etc. Low BUN levels can indicate malnutrition, overhydration, and liver disease.

As abnormal BUN levels aren’t always indicative of a serious problem and may be due to other factors, it is best to consult your doctor for a correct assessment.

How much does the Blood Urea Nitrogen test cost?*

There is no fixed cost for the Blood Urea Nitrogen test. The cost varies according to your chosen lab partner, location, and whether the test is done alone or as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel.

On average, the cost of a Blood Urea Nitrogen test is about Rs. 100. This can go higher and lower depending on the city. For example, the cost of a BUN test is about Rs. 71 on average in Pondicherry, but Rs. 143 in Mumbai.

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the Blood Urea Nitrogen test results?

You can expect to get the Blood Urea Nitrogen test results within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in some instances, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen test results indicate?

Your Blood Urea Nitrogen test results are considered abnormal when your blood urea nitrogen levels are extremely high or extremely low. Abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen test results can indicate a multitude of diseases. High levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen may indicate:

Kidney Disease
Dehydration as a result of not consuming enough fluids
Stress
Shock
Urinary Blockage (makes it difficult to urinate)
Stomach Problems
Excess Protein Intake
Severe burns
Gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding in the intestines, stomach, or oesophagus)
Recent heart attack
Congestive heart failure (when the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to the rest of the body)

Low levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen may indicate:

Liver disease
Malnutrition (diet is lacking in nutrients or the body is unable to absorb them well)
Overhydration as a result of consuming too many fluids

While high blood urea nitrogen levels are a cause for concern and usually require proper care and treatment, low blood urea nitrogen levels are quite common. Therefore, they are not usually a cause for concern. Your doctor can help you know whether to worry about low Blood Urea Nitrogen levels or not.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Is the Blood Urea Nitrogen test definitive?

No, the Blood Urea Nitrogen is not a definitive test. Having a BUN level that is higher or lower than the normal range is not always indicative of kidney disease or any other problems. In addition, certain medications, pregnancy, ageing, and a diet very high or low in protein can all confound your test results.

Furthermore, a BUN test alone does not provide you with enough results. If kidney disease is suspected, additional tests may be ordered. This includes a Creatinine test, urine routine, urine creatinine albumin ratio, and a Glomerular Filtration Rate test (GFR).

How to read the Blood Urea Nitrogen test report?

The results of a Blood Urea Nitrogen test report are displayed in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). According to your age and gender, the normal values for blood urea nitrogen will vary. It should also be noted that different laboratories have different ranges for normal values. The table below outlines what the general normal blood urea nitrogen levels are defined as.

Children between the ages of 1 to 17	7 to 20 mg/dL
Adult Men	8 to 24 mg/dL
Adult Women	6 to 21 mg/dL
Adults over 60 years	8 to 23 mg

Your kidneys are functioning well if your blood urea nitrogen levels fall in the recommended range for your age and gender. However, if your blood urea nitrogen levels are higher or lower than the recommended range, it is a potential sign of kidney damage or disease. Therefore, it is best to consult with your doctor to ensure the results and whether treatment is required.

If you have done the Blood Urea Nitrogen test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, you will also receive the results for the other tests in the same report. This can better help you understand the significance of your blood urea nitrogen levels and their functioning.

Book a Blood Urea Nitrogen test to check your blood urea nitrogen level!

Blood Urea Nitrogen test at home – how does it work?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen is a relatively safe test. There are no significant risks associated with the BUN test, and you can generally return to your normal activities immediately following the test. However, if you are taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, inform your doctor in advance. These may cause abnormal bleeding during the test.

Other common side effects of the BUN test include:

Blood accumulation under the skin
Infection at the puncture site
Bleeding at the puncture site
Bruising at the puncture site

Some people may also feel lightheaded or faint right after the test. Let your doctor know if your side effects continue for longer than expected.

What can affect the results of the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test results can be influenced by factors other than serious ones. Having a BUN level that is higher or lower than the recommended range does not always mean you have a serious problem. The following may also be the cause:

A Low Protein diet (leading to lower than usual BUN levels)
A High Protein diet (leading to higher than usual BUN levels)
Pregnancy (lower BUN levels are common in the second or third trimester)
Ageing (BUN levels naturally increase as you grow older)
Certain medications, such as antibiotics and steroids (consult your doctor to be sure)

Book a Blood Urea Nitrogen test to check your Blood Urea Nitrogen level!

Why book the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?

As a part of a routine health check-up. It is a part of a series of tests – referred to as a comprehensive metabolic panel – that are routinely done to assess whether there are any problems in your body.
To see how well your kidneys are functioning. This is for people who may have certain chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
To screen for any potential kidney damage, disease, or disorder you may have.
To screen the efficacy of the therapy related to kidney problems. This includes dialysis treatment someone may be undergoing.

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for Blood Urea Nitrogen sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing masks and gloves and frequently sanitising themselves during sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result and the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my Blood Urea Nitrogen test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?

Usually, you can avail yourself up to a 50% discount on Blood Urea Nitrogen through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What is the test process?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test is a simple blood test. A lab technician will be sent to your house at your scheduled date and time. Unless you have been asked to take other tests along with the BUN test, you don’t need to fast. The technician will collect a blood sample from your arm or your hand, and it will be sent to your chosen lab for analysis. You can resume normal activities immediately.

What are the signs which indicate the improper functioning of the kidneys?

Multiple signs can be perceived as an indication of improper functioning of the kidneys. Common indications include a change in urinary frequency, pain during urination, blood in urine, change in colour of urine, back pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, swelling around eyes and feet along with generalised body swelling etc. If you experience any of these signs, please book a test immediately.

Is the Blood Urea Nitrogen test definitive?

No, the Blood Urea Nitrogen test is not definitive. High or low blood urea nitrogen levels are not always indicative of a more serious problem. It can also result from other factors, such as certain medications, pregnancy, ageing, and a diet very high or low in protein.

What do abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen test results indicate?

Abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen test results can indicate a variety of diseases. For example, if your BUN levels are abnormally high, you may have kidney disease, dehydration, urinary blockage, gastrointestinal bleeding, stress, etc. On the other hand, if you have low BUN levels, this can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, and overhydration.

What other tests are recommended with the Blood Urea Nitrogen test?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test alone doesn’t provide enough information. If your doctor suspects potential kidney disease or any other problem, they may order additional tests alongside the BUN test. For example, a Creatinine test, urine routine test, urine albumin test are commonly requested, these tests check kidney health. A Glomerular Filtration Rate test (GFR) – a test that sees how well your kidneys are filtering blood – can also be asked for.

What diet changes should I make if my Blood Urea Nitrogen levels are high?

Certain restrictions should be imposed if you are diagnosed with high blood urea nitrogen levels. These restrictions vary according to the severity of your kidney disease. Besides consulting a dietician for a proper diet plan, reducing your phosphorus, sodium, protein and potassium intake are good.

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.