The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test is a routine clinical blood screening that measures the amount of urea nitrogen circulating in the bloodstream. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when proteins are broken down, and it is normally filtered and excreted by the kidneys.
Elevated BUN levels can indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or high-protein diets, while abnormally low levels may point to severe liver disease or malnutrition. Frequently ordered alongside serum creatinine tests, the BUN panel provides essential diagnostic insights into renal health and overall metabolic function.