What does BUN stand for in laboratory testing?

BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, which is a common laboratory test used to assess kidney function and to evaluate the levels of nitrogen in the blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is produced in the liver when the body breaks down proteins, and it is normally excreted by the kidneys. Measuring the BUN level helps to determine how well the kidneys are filtering out waste from the bloodstream.

An elevated BUN level can indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or the presence of other conditions affecting the kidneys. Conversely, a low BUN level might suggest liver disease or overhydration. Understanding BUN is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions related to the kidneys and overall metabolic state.