Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
What it measures
BUN measures a waste product made when your body breaks down protein, which your kidneys normally filter out.
Often reported in mg/dL. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, ages and sexes, so always compare with the range printed on your own report.
Why it matters
BUN is affected by diet, hydration, and kidney function together, so it's usually interpreted alongside creatinine rather than by itself.
Questions worth asking
- How does this compare with my creatinine result?
- Could recent protein intake or hydration explain this?
- Is further kidney function testing worth considering?
Have a result for Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?
Upload your report or type in your values and get a plain-language explanation of every marker. Your first report is free and needs no account.
Explain my resultsRelated markers
Educational information only. Not a diagnosis, not treatment advice, and not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.