| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Plasma or Serum (McKee Only: Body Fluids)
Test CodeBUN - NOCO
CPT Codes
84520
Includes
Note: This test is included in BMP - Basic Metabolic Panel, CMP - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and DOSM - Osmolality, Delta, Serum.
Preferred Specimen
1 mL Green top (Lithium Heparin)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Other Acceptable Specimens
1.0 mL serum from Serum Gel or Red Top
McKee only: 1 mL of Body Fluid in a clean, plastic container
McKee only: 1 mL of Body Fluid in a clean, plastic container
Specimen Stability
| Temperature | Time |
| Ambient | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
Methodology
Urease Bichromatic Rate
Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
Summit View
0-1 year: 5-19 mg/dL
1-12 year: 5-25 mg/dL
>12 year: 5-28 mg/dL
McKee, BFCMC & NCMC
Serum/Plasma
0-12 months: 4 – 19 mg/dL
1-12 years: 5 – 25 mg/dL
12-150 years: 8 – 25 mg/dL
BUN/Creatinine Ratio: 10 – 28
Body Fluid: N/A
0-1 year: 5-19 mg/dL
1-12 year: 5-25 mg/dL
>12 year: 5-28 mg/dL
McKee, BFCMC & NCMC
Serum/Plasma
0-12 months: 4 – 19 mg/dL
1-12 years: 5 – 25 mg/dL
12-150 years: 8 – 25 mg/dL
BUN/Creatinine Ratio: 10 – 28
Body Fluid: N/A
Clinical Significance
Urea is major end product of protein nitrogen metabolism. It is synthesized by urea cycle in liver from ammonia which is produced
by amino acid deamination. Urea is excreted mostly by kidneys, but minimal amounts are also excreted in sweat and degraded in
intestines by bacterial action.
Determination of blood urea nitrogen is most widely used screening test for renal function. When used in conjunction with serum
creatinine determinations it can aid in differential diagnosis of the three types of azotemia: prerenal, renal and
postrenal.
Elevations in blood urea nitrogen concentration are seen in inadequate renal perfusion, shock, diminished blood volume (prerenal
causes), chronic nephritis, nephrosclerosis, tubular necrosis, glomerular nephritis (renal causes) and urinary tract obstruction
(postrenal causes). Transient elevations may also be seen during periods of high protein intake. Unpredictable levels occur with liver
diseases.
by amino acid deamination. Urea is excreted mostly by kidneys, but minimal amounts are also excreted in sweat and degraded in
intestines by bacterial action.
Determination of blood urea nitrogen is most widely used screening test for renal function. When used in conjunction with serum
creatinine determinations it can aid in differential diagnosis of the three types of azotemia: prerenal, renal and
postrenal.
Elevations in blood urea nitrogen concentration are seen in inadequate renal perfusion, shock, diminished blood volume (prerenal
causes), chronic nephritis, nephrosclerosis, tubular necrosis, glomerular nephritis (renal causes) and urinary tract obstruction
(postrenal causes). Transient elevations may also be seen during periods of high protein intake. Unpredictable levels occur with liver
diseases.
Performing Laboratory
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center Laboratory
McKee Medical Center Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory
Summit View Laboratory
