Blood Urea Test - Price, Purpose, Preparation, Results, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Blood Urea Test

A blood urea test is usually recommended to measure the urea in the blood directly. It includes the entire urea molecule. A blood urea test differs from a blood urea nitrogen test (BUN test), as the latter measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood. The blood urea test provides a broader measurement, which means it covers the entire urea content in the blood, not just the nitrogen part. The blood urea and BUN tests are crucial to evaluating kidney function and diagnosing conditions such as kidney disease, dehydration, or liver issues. 

A blood urea test is also known as a blood urea nitrogen or BUN test. Your doctor may suggest a blood urea test to assess whether kidneys are functioning, focusing on the total urea levels rather than just nitrogen. Some common symptoms include frequent urination, swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet, fatigue, or weakness. 

Kidneys are a crucial part of our body. Early detection of kidney disease can be life-saving. No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider has suggested a blood urea test, you need not delay getting yourself tested by Healthy India's trusted lab, Redcliffe Labs. It is a renowned diagnostic center that offers a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic services across PAN India. 

Once you book a blood urea test from Redcliffe Labs, you also get the facility of home sample collection and accurate, time-bound reports. 

What is Urea?

Urea is a waste product formed in the liver. This formation is done through a process known as the urea cycle, in which proteins in food are broken down into ammonia. The body converts ammonia into urea. The urea then reaches the kidneys through the bloodstream, where it is filtered out and removed through urine. Urea removes excess nitrogen from the body.

Test Details:

What is the purpose of the blood urea test?

The blood urea test measures urea nitrogen concentration in the blood. This test indicates how efficiently your kidneys are working to eliminate waste from the bloodstream. A blood urea test is often done with other tests, such as the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which assess kidney function, such as creatinine.

Your doctor may suggest the test because of the following symptoms: 

1. Kidney dysfunction: It is one of the symptoms that may arise from needing a blood urea test. It causes leg swelling, frequent urination, shortness of breath, persistent nausea or vomiting, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. 
2. Dark-colored urine: If you complain about dark-colored urine, foamy urine, or blood in the urine (hematuria), a healthcare provider may suggest a blood urea test. 
3. High Blood Pressure: If you suffer from kidney issues, your blood pressure can increase. A blood urea test helps evaluate the kidneys' role in this condition.
4. Diabetes: Individuals with high blood glucose (blood sugar) are often at risk for kidney damage. The test helps monitor kidney function. 
5. Heart-Related Symptoms: People with irregular heartbeat or chest pain often require regular monitoring of their urea levels. 
6. Dehydration: Severe dehydration can cause symptoms such as dizziness, dry mouth, and decreased urine output, contributing to elevated blood urea levels
7. Recent Infections or Medications: Certain antibiotics, diuretics, or painkillers can affect kidney function. So, a doctor may request a blood urea test to check the kidneys.
8. Liver Disease: The liver plays a key role in urea production, and liver problems might result in abnormal blood urea levels. Common symptoms include jaundice, swelling, and fatigue. 

No matter the reason, if your doctor needs a test, immediately get it from Redcliffe Labs. Early detection of disease can help with timely intervention and better outcomes. 

What does the test detect?

The blood urea test helps detect kidney and liver function. Understanding urea levels is vital to monitoring chronic conditions or evaluating metabolic function, and it can provide insights into overall health. 

The test is primarily ordered for the following reasons:

• Assess Kidney Function: The increased urea levels may indicate improper functioning of the kidneys. 
• Monitors Chronic Conditions: Individuals with high BP, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease often need regular monitoring of their urea levels.
• Evaluate Liver Health: The liver is the main cause of urea formation. If the report indicates abnormal urea levels, it can suggest liver dysfunction.
• Hydration: Dehydration can cause a spike in urea levels. This is because the concentration of waste in the blood increases.
• Check Metabolic Function: Fluctuations in urea levels are due to changes in protein intake or metabolic conditions.

How can you prepare for the test?

Preparation of a blood urea test is simple, including: 

• No fasting is required for a blood urea test. This means you can normally eat or drink (except alcohol) before the test. However, every patient is different, so your doctor may ask you to fast for 8-12 hours, depending on your underlying medical condition. Besides, this test is a part of a comprehensive metabolic panel so fasting may be necessary. 
• Medication: Please inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements before the test. Some drugs can interfere with test results. 
• Hydration: Stay hydrated. Dehydration can impact the test results. 

Note: Do not hesitate to consult your doctor in case you have any doubts about test preparation. This will improve the accuracy of the test reports.

What is the procedure for the test?

The procedure of the blood urea test is simple. It includes the following steps: 

• A healthcare professional uses a needle to draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. 
• He will send this collected blood to a laboratory for analysis. 
• A detailed blood urea lab test report is available typically within 12 hours. 

What does the blood urea test report indicate?

The blood urea test report indicates normal, abnormal, and low urea levels. However, levels may vary based on sex, age, and an individual’s overall health. 

Normal levels 

The normal levels of blood nitrogen (BUN) typically range from:

• Adults: 7 to 20 mg/dL (2.5 to 7.1 mmol/L)
• Children: 5 to 18 mg/dL (1.8 to 6.4 mmol/L)

High Urea Levels (Hyperuricemia)

The high urea levels (uremia) could suggest kidney dysfunction, dehydration, high protein intake, heart failure, urinary tract obstruction, or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Low Urea Levels (Hypouricemia) 

Low urea levels may be a sign of liver disease, malnutrition, overhydration, or anabolic steroid use. 

Note: Other factors contributing to abnormal urea levels are age and pregnancy. So, whatever your test result is, consult your doctor to understand what it means. 

What if the blood urea test reports are positive?

If a blood urea lab test report is positive, it means an increase in urea levels (hyperuricemia). Symptoms of abnormal or high urea levels include:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, contributing to concentrated urea in the bloodstream. 
• Congestive heart failure: In this condition, the heart muscles are weak, and circulation is reduced. This can lead to kidney disease and severe health complications. 
• High protein diet: Excess protein intake increases the breakdown of proteins. This leads to higher urea production.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Blood from the gastrointestinal tract metabolizes and increases urea levels. 
• Medications such as diuretics or antibiotics can raise urea levels. 

Note: Elevated urea alone does not confirm kidney disease; further testing, such as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test, may be needed. Besides, meet your healthcare provider when you receive abnormal blood urea test reports. It may indicate an underlying health condition that requires immediate medical attention. Timely interventions can increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Associated tests for kidney and liver health

Below are associated tests to help get a more comprehensive understanding of kidneys and liver health: 

• Creatinine Test: It measures creatinine levels in the blood. It provides additional information about kidney function.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): It assesses how well the kidneys remove waste from the blood.
• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): It is recommended to check for signs of liver damage.
• Electrolyte Panel: The test measures sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes to determine imbalances often linked to kidney or liver issues.

Who should take the blood urea test?

A blood urea test is often part of routine blood tests. It is also recommended in specific situations where kidney function is thought to be compromised. The blood urea test is recommended for certain groups of people with the following symptoms: 

1. People with Kidney Disease Symptoms: Individuals with kidney disease symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, trouble urinating, blood in the urine, or high blood pressure. All these signs indicate kidney dysfunction. Hence, a blood urea test is recommended to assess kidney health.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients: Individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease must undergo this test to monitor kidney function over time.
3. Individuals with High Blood Pressure or Diabetes: Apart from individuals with disease symptoms and CKD, the test is crucial for those with high BP or diabetes. These problems can lead to kidney damage. 
4. Certain Drugs: Medications such as NSAIDs and diuretics may impact kidney function. A healthcare provider may suggest a blood urea test to ensure the medications are not harming the kidneys. 
5. Urinary Problems: A blood urea test is recommended for urinary problems such as frequent or painful urination or discoloration or consistency of urine.
6. Dehydration: If you have signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urine output, a doctor may order the test to check for kidney stress.
7. Liver Disease Patients: The liver should function properly. Liver disorders can cause abnormal urea levels. So, a doctor may advise the test to gauge how the liver and kidneys work together.
8. Monitoring After Kidney Transplant: People who have undergone a kidney transplant should take the blood urea test regularly. This ensures whether the transported kidney is rejected. 
9. Elderly Population: Routine blood urea tests are often recommended in older adults. It is a part of regular health check-ups as kidney function declines with age. 

Note: If someone falls into one of these categories, a blood urea test is worth considering. Early diagnosis helps make informed decisions and plans. 

What are the risk factors associated with a blood urea test? 

A blood urea test is generally safe. Collecting blood from a vein may be painful for some individuals, so that you may have bleeding, bruising, or soreness on the punctured site. Having a tourniquet around your arm may also cause you little discomfort. However, these symptoms will go away quickly. 

Besides, you should avoid lifting heavy objects for at least 24 hours after the test. Seeking medical assistance is highly recommended in case of severe pain or discomfort. 

Book a Blood Urea Test from Redcliffe Labs for INR 129 Only! 

The blood urea test is a valuable tool for assessing kidney and liver function. Understanding your urea levels is important for monitoring chronic conditions or evaluating metabolic function. The test provides insights into your overall health. If suggested, get yourself tested with us now. 

The blood urea test price at Redcliffe Labs is Rs 129 only. Download our mobile app or call us directly to book a blood urea test at affordable rates. 

Below are guidelines to book a blood urea test online from Redcliffe Labs: 

1. Go to the Redcliffe Labs website.
2. Search for the "Blood urea test." 
3. Click on the Blood urea test. You will see details, including the test price. 
4. Follow the prompts carefully to book the test. 
5. Complete the payment process. 

Note: After booking, you will receive a confirmation via SMS. 

Blood Urea Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Blood Urea Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.