BUN

What is a BUN Test?

A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is a standard medical diagnostic test that measures urea nitrogen concentration in the blood. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver due to protein metabolism. It is then filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted from the body through urine. The BUN Test is valuable for assessing kidney function and overall health (American Kidney Fund, 2024; National Kidney Foundation, 2018).

The BUN Test involves drawing a blood sample, typically from a vein in the arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test results are usually reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. The test helps healthcare providers in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, particularly those related to kidney health and liver function. It is often used in conjunction with other kidney function tests and clinical information to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's health.

How does this blood urea nitrogen test template work?

Our free BUN Test template will help you document and interpret results accurately while keeping everything organized. Here’s how to use it step by step:

Step 1: Download the template

You can choose "Use template" and access the BUN Test template through the Carepatron platform. You can also select "Download" to get a fillable PDF copy of this form.

Step 2: Fill in patient and clinical details

Start by entering the patient’s name, date of birth, age, sex, and contact details in the appropriate fields. In the clinical history section, note any relevant medical background that might help interpret the results.

Step 3: Record test details and results

Next, enter the sample type, sample ID, collection date and time, and reporting date and time. Then, document the BUN level (mg/dL) and add your lab’s reference range for comparison. Use the clinical interpretation section to summarize key findings.

Step 4: Review and finalize the report

Before wrapping up, add any additional notes that could help with diagnosis or treatment. Then, fill in the lab technician’s name, approval details, laboratory name, and contact number. Double-check everything to make sure it’s accurate before submitting or sharing the report.

When would you use a BUN blood test?

The BUN blood test is employed by healthcare practitioners in various clinical scenarios when specific information about kidney function and overall health is needed. Here's a detailed focus on when it is appropriate to use this test:

As part of a routine check-up

A BUN blood test is often included in general health screenings to assess kidney function. It helps detect early signs of kidney issues before symptoms appear. Regular testing can be especially useful for those with risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.

For monitoring and treatment

Doctors use BUN Tests to track kidney function in people with existing kidney conditions or those taking medications that affect the kidneys. Changes in BUN levels over time can help guide treatment decisions and adjustments. This is important for managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) or dehydration.

If exhibiting later-stage kidney disease symptoms

A BUN Test is essential when a person shows signs of later-stage kidney disease, such as swelling, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. At this stage, kidneys may struggle to filter waste properly, leading to higher BUN levels. Testing helps determine disease progression and the next steps for treatment.

What do the results mean?

Interpreting the results of a BUN Test is essential in assessing kidney function. Here are the potential BUN Test results and what they could mean:

Normal BUN levels

The normal range for BUN levels typically falls within the range of 7 to 20 mg/dL (American Kidney Fund, 2024), although this range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the patient's age and medical history. A normal BUN level means the kidneys are effectively filtering waste from the blood, indicating proper kidney function and balanced protein metabolism.

High BUN Levels

Several factors can lead to an elevated blood urea nitrogen level beyond kidney function issues. Dehydration reduces fluid volume in the body, making urea more concentrated in the blood. Severe burns cause tissue breakdown, releasing more nitrogenous waste. Additionally, a high-protein diet increases urea production, and conditions like a recent heart attack may affect kidney function and circulation, leading to higher BUN levels.

Elevated BUN levels have been recognized as a risk factor for worsening kidney disease in individuals with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Seki et al., 2019).

Low BUN Levels

While less common, low BUN levels can indicate underlying health concerns. A lack of protein in the diet means less urea is produced as a waste product. Malnutrition, especially in cases of chronic illness or poor dietary intake, can also contribute to lower levels. Additionally, liver disease affects urea production since the liver plays a key role in processing nitrogen from protein metabolism.

Benefits of this BUN Test form template

This BUN Test template makes documentation quick, efficient, and adaptable to different workflows. Here are the key advantages:

Easy to use

This template is simple and well-organized, so you can quickly fill in the necessary details without hassle. The layout ensures that all critical information is documented. This makes it easier for healthcare professionals to interpret results accurately.

Saves time

With pre-formatted fields, you don’t have to waste time setting up a report from scratch. Just enter the required details, and the template keeps everything neat and standardized. This helps streamline documentation and allows you to focus on patient care.

Available in digital and printable formats

Whether you prefer working on a computer or using a printed form, this template works both ways. You can fill it out digitally for easy storage and sharing or print a copy for physical records. This flexibility ensures convenience for different workflows.

References

American Kidney Fund. (2024, January 6). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test. https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/tests/blood-urea-nitrogen-bun-test

National Kidney Foundation. (2018, March 2). What is the difference between sCr, eGFR, ACR, and BUN?https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/what-difference-between-scr-egfr-acr-and-bun

Seki, M., Nakayama, M., Sakoh, T., Yoshitomi, R., Fukui, A., Katafuchi, E., Tsuda, S., Nakano, T., Tsuruya, K., & Kitazono, T. (2019). Blood urea nitrogen is independently associated with renal outcomes in Japanese patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease: a prospective observational study. BMC Nephrology, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-019-1306-1