A creatinine level of greater than 1.2 for women and greater than 1.4 for men may be an early sign that the kidneys are not working properly. As a result, creatinine is an indirect marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), or how well the kidneys work. If the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood (GFR decreases), more creatinine will accumulate and serum creatinine will rise. When the kidneys are not working well, creatinine builds up in the blood. Healthy kidneys take creatinine out of the blood and remove it from the body through the urine. Serum CreatinineĬreatinine is a waste product in the blood created by the normal metabolism of muscle cells. Other possible causes of an elevated BUN include dehydration and heart failure. If your BUN is more than 20 mg/dL, your kidneys may not be working at full strength. Normal blood contains 7-20 mg/dl of urea. If your kidneys are not working well, the urea nitrogen will stay in the blood. Healthy kidneys take urea nitrogen out of the blood and remove it through the urine. After the cells use the protein, the remaining waste product is returned to the blood as urea nitrogen. Blood Urea Nitrogen (also called BUN)īlood carries protein to cells throughout the body. Note that there can be some differences in these values from one lab to another, so make sure you learn the normal values for your lab. The test results will be used to assist the healthcare team (your doctor, nurses, and others) in evaluating your kidney function and determining the best care plan for you.Remember, you are in control and you are your own best healthcare advocate, so it is essential for you to understand what these tests mean. Lab work, urine samples, and other tests may be completed as you undergo diagnosis and treatment for renal failure. Proper consultation and guidance from a doctor are imperative for accurate interpretation and management based on the BUN test results.Common Tests to Help Diagnose Kidney Disease Whether you have underlying kidney conditions or are just keeping tabs on your overall health, understanding the factors that affect BUN levels and the implications of abnormal values can be instrumental in making informed health decisions and maintaining kidney health. The significance of the BUN test in monitoring and evaluating kidney health. You should consult a nephrologist or your primary care doctor in case of abnormal BUN values. Which doctor should I consult in case of abnormal BUN values? Yes, factors such as age, genetics, and certain underlying diseases are non-modifiable and can affect BUN levels. Are there non-modifiable factors affecting BUN levels? Yes, factors such as diet, hydration status, and medications are modifiable and can affect BUN levels. Are there modifiable factors affecting BUN levels? Yes, vigorous exercise can increase BUN levels temporarily due to muscle breakdown. Your doctor may recommend additional tests or adjustments in medications or diet. If your BUN levels are abnormal, it is important to consult your doctor for interpretation and advice. What should I do if my BUN levels are abnormal? Creatinine levels are more stable and are usually used together with BUN to evaluate kidney function. What is the difference between BUN and creatinine?īoth BUN and creatinine are waste products in the blood, but while BUN is produced during the breakdown of proteins, creatinine is produced by the muscles. Staying well-hydrated can also impact BUN levels. Yes, a high-protein diet can cause elevated BUN levels, while a low-protein diet can result in lower BUN levels. It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, as they may ask you to stop certain medications before the test. Yes, certain medications can affect BUN levels. The BUN test is a standard blood test and has minimal risks, similar to those associated with a regular blood draw, such as bruising or infection at the needle site. Are there any risks associated with the BUN test? Your doctor will advise on how often you should have the test based on your specific situation. The frequency of BUN testing depends on your health status and any underlying conditions. Overhydration can also lead to low BUN levels. Low BUN levels can be seen in liver disease, malnutrition, or conditions that result in decreased protein breakdown. Dehydration, high protein diets, and certain medications can also elevate BUN levels. High BUN levels can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly or that there is a condition causing increased breakdown of proteins in the body. Normal BUN levels typically range from about 7 to 20 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but normal ranges can vary depending on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample.
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