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Blood Urea

Blood Urea

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This test measures the levels of urea present in the blood. Urea is a waste product produced by the conversion of protein into amino acids.

The urea tests are performed to diagnose kidney disease and to monitor the efficacy of the ongoing treatment. Urea and creatinine levels, together with electrolytes are used to evaluate kidney function and to monitor patients with kidney failure or those receiving dialysis. Healthy kidneys eliminate more than 90 percent of the urea from the body.

The normal level of urea ranges from 7 – 20 mg/dL, any value above or below signifies a problem in the kidneys. High urea levels suggest impaired kidney function. The low levels are not common but they can be seen in severe liver disease and malnutrition.

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What does Blood Urea measure?

Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Proteins consumed in the diet are digested and converted into amino acids, which are utilized by the body. This metabolic process creates toxic byproduct ammonia. This byproduct is rapidly converted by the liver to form urea, which is less toxic and is transported relatively safely in blood. Following this, urea is transported by the blood to the kidneys. The kidneys then filter it out of the blood and excrete it out of the body in a solution called urine. This process continues and the body keeps producing and excreting urea, hence maintaining a low and steady level of urea in the blood.

The BUN test measures the amount of urea present in the urea. The levels of BUN test in the blood are affected due to impairment of kidney function, or due to large scale liver conditions. Primarily, BUN Test results are used to evaluate kidney functioning. Results are often interpreted together with results of Creatinine Tests that measure the levels of another metabolic waste (creatinine), which is also excreted in the urine.



FAQs related to Blood Urea

Low levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen may occur due to: · Severe liver damage or liver failure · Malnutrition · Severe protein deficiency · Drinking excessive water or excess fluids inserted through IV
Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking as certain medications like carbamazepine, methotrexate, rifampin, etc. can falsely elevate BUN levels. No other preparations are required unless specified by your doctor.
Others tests that may be prescribed upon appearance of an abnormal result in the Blood Urea Nitrogen Test include: · Kidney Function Tests · Blood Creatinine Test · Glomerular Filtration Rate · Blood Sugar Tests · Lipid Profile Test · Imaging Tests
High levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen may occur due to: · Heart diseases · Congestive heart failure · Recent heart attack · Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract · Dehydration · Severe burns · High levels of dietary protein · Kidney diseases · Renal failure · Urinary tract obstruction · Stress · Shock
The doctor may suggest getting a BUN test if the patient experiences the following symptoms: · Frequent urination · Low urine volume · Painful urination or difficulty during urination · Foamy, bloody, or dark colored urine · Poor appetite · Itching · Fatigue and weakness · Swelling (edema), especially in the lower limbs, around the eyes, face · Muscle cramps · Sleeping difficulty · Pain in the mid back region just below the rib cage (location of kidneys) · Hypertension (high blood pressure)
False results can appear in the BUN Test due to a number of factors, including: · Protein rich diet · Use of steroid · Dehydration · Burn injury · Aging · Certain medications like carbamazepine, methotrexate, rifampin, etc. · Pregnancy
The BUN test can depict false results due to various involved factors. Hence, blood creatinine test is performed to measure creatinine levels in the blood, as it is another form of waste going in the urea. Then, the results of both these tests are interpreted together and expressed as a ratio of BUN to Creatinine, the normal range of which lies between 10:1 and 20:1. The BUN: Creatinine ratio serves as a better indication of kidney function than BUN values by themselves. Also, the ratio helps in the identification of conditions affecting kidney function but not directly related to kidney disorders, like congestive heart failure, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.
As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.
Content created by
Written by:
Dr. Lipika Khurana
BDS, PGDHHM
Reviewed by:
Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)
MBBS, MD Lab Medicine
Want to know moreRead our editorial policy
Last Updated25th Oct 2023

Blood Urea test price for other cities

Price inGurgaonRs. 141
Price inAllahabadRs. 160
Price inCoimbatoreRs. 160
Price inBhopalRs. 160
Price inChandigarhRs. 160

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Contains 1 test
Blood Urea