Urea Normal Range, Causes, Procedure and Treatment
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Nov 13, 2024
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Nov 13, 2024
The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test helps measure the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Your healthcare provider may suggest a test to check whether your kidneys are working.
BUN levels vary depending on several factors, such as age and sex. They usually increase with age; abnormalities related to BUN levels can indicate a health condition, including kidney damage.
This blog provides detailed information about the BUN test, including low and high levels, causes, and treatment. So, stay with us on this page till the end.
What is urea nitrogen?
The body breaks down proteins into amino acids, resulting in urea nitrogen. The blood carries urea nitrogen, which is then removed by the kidneys during urination. Urea nitrogen is a chemical waste product, and having a small amount in your body is absolutely normal.
The urea nitrogen levels in your blood make it easier for doctors to understand how well your kidneys work. Too much urea nitrogen in your blood indicates your kidneys are not filtering it properly. There might be an underlying condition that is already affecting your kidney’s health.
Why is a blood urea nitrogen test performed?
A doctor may suggest a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test if he finds you have a higher risk of kidney disease. A BUN test is included or usually measured as a part of the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or basic metabolic panel (BMP) blood test.
Common symptoms associated with a blood urea nitrogen test include:
- Heredity of kidney disease.
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Urinating more than usual
- Foamy pee
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in your pee
- Swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles
How can you prepare for a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test?
To prepare for a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test, you should meet your doctor and inform them about blood-thinning medicines if you are taking any or if you have a blood disorder before the test. He may suggest other blood tests together with a BUN test.
A doctor may recommend fasting for 8-12 hours before a blood urea nitrogen test, and some additional tests may also be suggested for an accurate diagnosis.
Discuss your doubts with your doctor and get the best possible advice based on your underlying health condition.
What is the procedure for a blood urea nitrogen test?
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test helps measure the urea nitrogen level in your blood. During the BUN test, the expert collects blood for testing. He sends the blood sample to the laboratory for analysis and report-making.
During the BUN test, the expert first ties a tourniquet band around the arm to ensure the vein is clearly visible. Then, he cleans the site with disinfectant.
After cleaning, the blood expert inserts the syringe into the vein to draw blood and transfer it to a vial.
He will release the tourniquet band and apply cotton gauze to the puncture site to prevent infection.
Lastly, he will label the vial with your name. Then, send it to the lab for expert analysis, and a BUN test report will be prepared. This is part of the BUN test procedure.
Are there any risks associated with a BUN test?
Yes, there are minimal risks associated with a BUN test, from pain in the puncture site to feeling nauseated or dizzy during or after the test. Don’t worry; these symptoms are temporary and go away in 2-3 days.
If the pain continues, bleeding from the needle site, or severe bruising occurs, consult with your doctor immediately to avoid complications.
What is the normal range for a blood urea nitrogen level?
The normal blood urea range varies depending on various factors, such as age and sex. Below is a table showing normal BUN levels by age and sex.
| Age and Sex | Normal BUN levels (mg/dL) |
| Children between 1-17 years | 7- 20 mg/dL. |
| Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) | 6-21 mg/dL. |
| Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) | 8-24 mg/dL. |
What does high blood urea nitrogen suggest?
Elevated blood urea nitrogen levels may indicate that your kidneys are malfunctioning. However, if your kidneys are working as they should, if you still have high BUN levels, this may be due to:
- High-protein diet
- Age
- Dehydration
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Heart attack
- Stress
- Blockage in your urinary system
- Burns
- Medications such as methotrexate, tetracycline, and carbamazepine.
Kidney Function Test (KFT)
If your BUN test report shows high levels, additional tests to measure your kidney function may also be suggested.
- Creatinine Test: This is a blood test that helps measure kidney health. It presents a complete picture of your kidneys, which is known as the BUN/creatinine ratio.
- BUN to creatinine ratio falls between 10-to-1 and 20-to-1. The ratio beyond this range could indicate inadequate blood flow to your kidneys due to gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, or dehydration.
- Glomerular filtration rate test: This test reveals how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. A very low number could mean kidney failure, which would require dialysis.
What does low blood urea nitrogen suggest?
Low blood urea nitrogen levels may be due to the following reasons:
- A diet that lacks protein
- Small body type
- Severe liver disease
- Overhydration
How can you fix your elevated blood urea nitrogen levels?
If your BUN test reports show elevated blood urea nitrogen levels, you can fix them by avoiding or limiting high-protein foods such as meats, including beef, chicken, pork, and salmon. Also, do not eat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese to maintain BUN levels.
Additionally, incorporate healthy, low-protein foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into your diet.
What level of urea indicates kidney failure?
The normal range for urea is between about 7 and 20 mg/dL. Unless your BUN test report shows a urea level greater than 60 mg/dL and a high creatinine level, it may not help the doctor confirm something serious with your kidneys.
A note from Redcliffe Labs
If you have low or too little urea nitrogen in your blood, consult your healthcare provider. They can suggest a BUN test to confirm how well your kidneys work and recommend proper treatment.
Book a blood urea nitrogen test from Redcliffe Labs!
Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab—Redcliffe Labs is one of the most trusted and fastest-growing diagnostic services in PAN India. It focuses on blood tests, preventive health checks, and a wide range of other services for patients' convenience.
If suggested, download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app or call to book a blood test to measure your urea nitrogen levels. The phlebotomist will arrive at your doorstep with a blood sample collection kit. Get the most accurate reports typically with a given deadline.
Step-by-step information on booking a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test online from Redcliffe Labs.
- Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
- Browse or search for the specific test you need.
- Add the test to the cart.
- Complete the payment process online.
- You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.
