#Normal range of bun professional

Women and children may have lower BUN levels than men because of how their bodies break down protein. ĭrinking too much liquid may cause overhydration and cause a low BUN value. Ī low BUN value may be caused by a diet very low in protein, by malnutrition, or by severe liver damage.

A very high BUN-to-creatinine ratio may be caused by bleeding in the digestive tract or respiratory tract. High BUN-to-creatinine ratios occur with sudden (acute) kidney problems, which may be caused by shock or severe dehydration. Ī high BUN value may be caused by a high-protein diet, Addison's disease, or tissue damage (such as from severe burns), or from bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. High BUN levels can also be caused by low blood flow to the kidneys caused by dehydration or heart failure. Kidney damage can be caused by diabetes or high blood pressure that directly affects the kidneys. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.Ī high BUN value can mean kidney injury or disease is present. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.Įach lab has a different range for what's normal. There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch. When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle.

#Normal range of bun professional

Kidney disease or blockage of the flow of urine from your kidney causes both BUN and creatinine levels to go up.ĭo not eat a lot of meat or other protein in the 24 hours before having a BUN test.Ī health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. This causes a high BUN-to-creatinine ratio. Dehydration generally causes BUN levels to rise more than creatinine levels. See if treatment of your kidney disease is working.Ĭheck for severe dehydration. See if your kidney disease is getting worse. See if your kidneys are working normally. A BUN-to-creatinine ratio can help your doctor check for problems, such as dehydration, that may cause abnormal BUN and creatinine levels. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests can be used together to find the BUN-to-creatinine ratio (BUN:creatinine). The level of creatinine in your blood also tells how well your kidneys are working-a high creatinine level may mean your kidneys are not working properly. A low BUN level can occur normally in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.īlood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN:creatinine)Ī BUN test may be done with a blood creatinine test. Liver disease or damage can lower your BUN level. Heart failure, dehydration, or a diet high in protein can also make your BUN level higher. If your kidneys are not able to remove urea from the blood normally, your BUN level rises. Urea is made in the liver and passed out of your body in the urine.Ī BUN test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Urea is made when protein is broken down in your body. Health Library Skip Navigation Top of the page Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test Test OverviewĪ blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea.