How can we help?

Home

BUN-Urea-Creatinine

1,409+ booked recently

For men & women

Earliest reports in

12 hours

Contains

3 tests

Know more about this test

The BUN-Urea-Creatinine test comprises a group of blood tests that help assess the overall health of the kidneys and their ability to filter waste products from the blood. This test is commonly done as a part of the kidney function test (KFT) to evaluate kidney function, diagnose kidney disorders, and monitor the progression of kidney diseases.

Samples required

Blood

Find out

Why is this test booked?

Preparations

No special preparation is required.

Sample Collection

Who will collect your samples?

Understanding BUN-Urea-Creatinine

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, and creatinine are all nitrogenous waste products that are normally filtered by the kidneys. Therefore, their levels in the blood can serve as an important indicator of kidney function. The BUN-Urea-Creatinine test helps determine how well the kidneys are filtering these waste products, diagnose and monitor kidney diseases such as acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and glomerulonephritis and track kidney function in patients with known kidney disorders or those undergoing treatment for conditions that can affect the health of kidneys and their function.

The BUN-Urea-Creatinine test is often done when an individual has symptoms that may suggest kidney problems, such as frequent urination, blood in the urine, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling in the hands and feet, fatigue, nausea, difficulty breathing, etc. This test is also performed as part of routine health check-ups, especially for individuals at higher risk of kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney problems. Additionally, this test also helps determine the effectiveness of dialysis treatment in kidney disease patients.

Usually, no special preparation is needed before undergoing a BUN-Urea-Creatinine test. However, you are still advised to follow your doctor's instructions closely. Additionally, it is important to tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take, as certain medications can temporarily affect your test results.

Test result ranges can vary slightly between labs due to differences in testing methods and guidelines. It's important to discuss your specific results with your doctor. Sharing your complete medical history can help them understand your overall health better. Based on the results, your doctor will assess your medical condition, suggest lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and decide if medication is needed to manage kidney health.

What does BUN-Urea-Creatinine measure?

Contains 3 tests

The BUN-Urea-Creatinine test measures the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, and creatinine in your blood. Urea is a waste product formed from protein breakdown, BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood from urea, and creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism. This test helps assess kidney function by determining how well the kidneys filter and remove these waste products from the body.

Serum Creatinine

The Serum Creatinine test measures the creatinine level, a byproduct produced by the wear and tear of muscles during energy production. Since kidneys help filter creatinine, this test helps determine how well your kidneys work. Usually, high levels of creatinine in the blood signal diminished kidney function. At the same time, low levels may indicate decreased muscle mass.

Know more about Serum Creatinine

Blood Urea

The Blood Urea test measures the level of urea in the blood. Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Proteins you consume in your diet are digested and converted into amino acids, which are then utilized by the body. This metabolic process produces a toxic byproduct known as ammonia. Ammonia is then rapidly converted into urea by your liver. Urea is comparatively less toxic than ammonia and is transported to the kidneys via the blood. The kidneys then filter it out through the urine. This process continues and the body keeps producing and eliminating urea, maintaining its low and steady levels in the blood.

Know more about Blood Urea

Blood Urea Nitrogen

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test measures the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood. Blood urea is a waste product that is formed in the liver when you eat food and the protein is metabolized into amino acids. This process leads to the production of ammonia that is further converted into urea. Both ammonia and urea are nitrogenous compounds. Your liver releases urea into the blood which is then carried out to the kidneys. In the kidneys, urea is filtered from the blood and flushed out of the body via urine. This is a continuous process, so a small amount of urea nitrogen always remains in the blood.

In the case of a kidney or liver disease, there is a change in the amount of urea present in the blood. If your liver produces urea in an increased amount or if there is any problem in kidney functioning, there might be difficulty in filtering out the waste products from the blood, which can result in increased urea levels in the blood.

Know more about Blood Urea Nitrogen

Frequently booked together

FAQs related to BUN-Urea-Creatinine

What is the purpose of the BUN-Urea-Creatinine test?

This test assesses kidney function by measuring the levels of waste products (urea nitrogen and creatinine) in the blood. It helps detect kidney dysfunction or disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Is fasting required for the BUN-Urea-Creatinine test?

No, you do not need to fast before the BUN-Urea-Creatinine test. You can eat and drink according to your daily routine.

Is there any risk associated with the BUN-Urea-Creatinine test?

The risks associated with this test are generally minimal. However, some people may experience mild pain or discomfort at the site from where the blood sample is taken, which is usually self-limiting.

How often should I have the BUN-Urea-Creatinine test done?

The frequency depends on your health status and risk factors. Your healthcare provider will recommend how often you should be tested based on your specific needs, such as if you have diabetes, hypertension, or a history of kidney disease.

What do high levels of BUN-Urea-Creatinine indicate?

Elevated levels of BUN, urea, and creatinine typically indicate impaired kidney function, possibly due to acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, dehydration, or other conditions affecting the kidneys.

What are the common signs and symptoms of kidney problems?

Urinating more or less, back pain, belly pain, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weakness are some common signs and symptoms of kidney problems.

How can I improve my kidney health?

Adopting healthy eating habits, maintaining an active lifestyle, limiting alcohol intake, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated can help improve your kidney health.

What are the best food choices for healthy kidneys?

You can add dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, bell peppers, radishes, and lemon juice to your diet to keep your kidneys healthy. However, if you are on a restricted diet, please consult your dietitian for a diet chart that may be appropriate for you.

What other tests might be ordered along with this one?

Your doctor may also order additional tests such as kidney function test (KFT), electrolyte levels, urine analyses, or imaging studies to better understand your kidney health.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

Want to know moreRead our editorial policy

Last Updated

19th Oct 2025