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Urea Nitrogen (BUN) [294X]
Test Code3292
CPT Codes
84520
Includes
For Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Postdialysis Serum, the recommended test is Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Serum
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma collected in a: sodium or lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Anticoagulants other than heparin
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day
Reference Range
Male (mg/dL) |
Female (mg/dL) |
||||
<1 Month | 4-12 | 3-17 | |||
1-11 Months | 2-13 | 4-14 | |||
1-3 Years | 3-12 | 3-14 | |||
4-19 Years | 7-20 | 7-20 | |||
≥20 Years | 7-25 | 7-25 |
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 occur primarily in advanced liver disease and in overhydration.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153