Definition - What does Blood Urea Nitrogen mean?
Blood urea nitrogen is a blood test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen present in the blood. Urea is a waste product produced by the metabolizing of protein. The test is typically ordered during a general health check or to assess and diagnose kidney problems relating to impaired kidney function. The test will show elevated urea levels If kidney function is impaired for any reason.
SureHire explains Blood Urea Nitrogen
When there is kidney dysfunction, the urea released by the liver into the bloodstream cannot be filtered sufficiently by the kidneys and the level of urea nitrogen in the blood is elevated. The blood urea nitrogen test is typically used in conjunction with a creatinine test to assess kidney function as creatinine is a waste product that the kidneys filter out of the bloodstream. The blood urea nitrogen test is routinely ordered when carrying out a basic metabolic panel or comprehensive metabolic panel. It may also be ordered as a prerequisite before a patient starts a course of drug therapy or prior to undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan. The test is also used to determine whether a patient is receiving the appropriate amount of dialysis.
