BUN blood test
Waste from breaking down protein, cleared by the kidneys.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 7–20 mg/dL
- Panel
- Kidney Function
- Also called
- Blood urea nitrogen, Urea
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
Part of kidney screening; high-protein diets push it up.
What can raise it
- High-protein diet
- Dehydration
- Reduced kidney function
What can lower it
- Low protein intake
- Liver disease
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Compounds that affect BUN
Monitored with these, based on their known properties:
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
- NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)
- Trenbolone Acetate
- Trenbolone Enanthate
- Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
- Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone)
- Superdrol (Methasterone)
- DHB (1-Testosterone / Dihydroboldenone)
- Parabolan (Trenbolone Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate)
- Methyltrienolone (Oral Tren / Metribolone)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Other kidney function tests
Questions
What is a normal BUN level?
A typical adult male reference range is 7–20 mg/dL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high BUN mean?
Common reasons include high-protein diet, dehydration and reduced kidney function. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low BUN mean?
Common reasons include low protein intake and liver disease.