BLOOD UREA NITROGEN

Message
CHEMISTRY


Test Code
BUN


Alias/See Also
BUN, UREA NITROGEN


Preferred Specimen
PLASMA


Minimum Volume
1-2 MLS


Other Acceptable Specimens
SERUM


Instructions
DRAW 1 LT GREEN LITHIUM HEPARIN TUBE, MIX WELL AND SPIN, SEND TO LAB REFRIGERATED.


Transport Container
ORIGINAL TUBE


Transport Temperature
2-8 c REFRIGERATED


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C or colder): 1 year


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Unlabeled sample, improper temperature during transport. Wrong sample collection. Sample unspun before transport.


Methodology
Urease

Setup Schedule
DAILY


Report Available
DAILY


Reference Range
7-25 mg/dL


Clinical Significance
Urea is the principle waste product of protein catabolism. BUN is most commonly measured in the diagnosis and treatment of certain renal and metabolic diseases. Increased BUN concentration may result from increased production of urea, due to (1) diet or excessive destruction of cellular proteins as occurs in massive infection and fevers; (2) reduced renal perfusion resulting from dehydration or heart failure; (3) nearly all types of kidney disease, and (4) mechanical obstruction to urine excretion such as is caused by stones, tumors, infection, or stricture. Decreased urea levels are less frequent and occurs primarily in advanced liver disease and in overhydration.

Measurements obtained by this test are used in the diagnosis of certain renal and metabolic diseases.


Performing Laboratory
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION VT VA- CHEMISTRY 802-295-9363 EXT: 5518, 5519



The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.