What is the meaning of BUN in a medical context?

In a medical context, BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen. This test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from urea, which is produced when the protein in food is broken down. It serves as an important indicator of kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering urea out of the blood and excreting it in urine. Elevated BUN levels can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, while low levels may suggest liver disease or malnutrition.

Understanding the significance of BUN is crucial in clinical settings, particularly for monitoring patients with conditions that may affect kidney health. The distinction of "blood" in the term emphasizes the specific measurement taken from circulation, distinguishing it from other bodily substances.