Low BUN Levels

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test, which is also known as Urea Nitrogen test or Serum Urea Nitrogen test is conducted along with the creatinine test. The use of the creatinine test and the (BUN) test is to test whether the kidneys of the patient undergoing the test are functioning in the right manner or not. It is also possible to detect any kidney diseases which the person might be suffering, by using this test. From the results of this test, it is possible to properly detect the problem of dehydration in patients. From the result of the BUN test, we understand the BUN levels in a person.

The BUN test may be performed as a routine check-up or if the doctors think that the patient might be suffering from kidney problems. The BUN test might be suggested to those patients who are experiencing the symptoms of kidney malfunction such as fatigue, swelling around the eyes, high blood pressure. Let us now understand how the BUN test is performed.

Procedure Involved in the BUN Test

The procedure involved in the BUN test is quite simple. The patients who are to undergo this surgery, are asked not to intake foods which are very high in proteins. The reason for this is that these high protein foods can interfere with the results of the test by increasing the BUN level. By wrapping an elastic band on the upper arm, a needle is inserted into the vein of the arm. Before inserting the needle, the health professional will rub your skin with alcohol. The blood is collected into the tube, which has been already attached to the needle and then the elastic band is removed. The needle spot is covered with a ball of cotton once the needle is removed.

The BUN to creatinine ratio should be 10:1 to 20:1 if the age of the patient is more than twelve months. The same ratio can be around 30:1 in the case of those babies who are younger than twelve months. The normal BUN values should be 5-15 mg/dL for children, 8-23 mg/dL for the adults and 5-12 dL during pregnancy.

Causes

The prime cause of low BUN levels, is believed to be the intake of food which is very low in protein content. Many people who are malnourished have very low levels. Consumption of liquids in excessive quantities and beyond the normal limits is another cause. Liver damage is also a major cause. An injury of the muscles known as rhabdomyolysis is also known to be one of the causes of reduced BUN levels. Over use of certain medications, cirrhosis, cancer and lung diseases can lead to the low levels of Bun. Under normal circumstances, the BUN levels for women are low than that for the men. Intake of anabolic steroids can also be responsible for this condition.

BUN test is considered to be a reliable method of testing the functioning of the kidney. You should follow all the instructions of your doctor regarding the diet, to bring your BUN levels in the normal range.