BUN / Creatinine Ratio

Also known as Urea creatinine ratio (UCR)

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding BUN / Creatinine Ratio

What is BUN / Creatinine Ratio?

A BUN / Creatinine Ratio test helps evaluate how well your kidneys are working by measuring the amount of urea and creatinine in the body. This test is done to detect kidney diseases if you are at risk and to monitor the treatment response for an existing kidney problem. It is often done as part of a routine test or kidney function test (KFT).

Blood urea is the breakdown product of the amino acids which are present in proteins. When proteins break down, they produce nitrogen in the form of ammonia in the liver. The nitrogen combines with other chemicals in the liver to form the waste product called urea. Whereas, creatinine is a waste product created due to the normal wear and tear of muscles in the body. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels fluctuate, while creatinine is removed at a constant rate and its blood levels are usually stable. That is why, the BUN/Creatinine ratio can be used to check for issues such as dehydration, kidney injury/disease, intestinal bleeding, and other problems. This makes determining the levels of BUN and creatinine and their ratio an important marker to evaluate kidney health.

You may need a BUN / Creatinine Ratio test if you have risk factors for developing kidney problems, like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease. Your doctor may also advise this test if you experience symptoms such as belly and back pain, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, rashes, or itchy skin. Usually, no special preparation is required for a BCR test; eat and drink as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your kidney health, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is BUN / Creatinine Ratio used for?

A BUN / Creatinine Ratio test is done:

As part of routine health checkups.
As part of a kidney function test.
In the case of signs and symptoms of kidney disease.
To screen for kidney disease if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
To check the effectiveness of ongoing treatment for kidney disease.

What does BUN / Creatinine Ratio measure?

A BUN / Creatinine Ratio test helps compare the levels of blood urea nitrogen to that of creatinine in your body. Urea is a waste product that is formed in the liver when you eat protein, which is then metabolized into amino acids. This process leads to the production of ammonia that is further converted into urea. Later, the urea is passed out of your body through the urine. On the other hand, creatinine is a byproduct produced by muscles during energy production. Therefore, the more muscle you have, the more creatinine your body produces. The kidneys remove both the urea and creatinine via urine, and this test determines how well your kidneys are functioning.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BUN / Creatinine Ratio

Frequently Asked Questions about BUN / Creatinine Ratio

Q. Should I be worried about my high BUN/Creatinine ratio?

If your BUN/Creatinine ratio is high, it might indicate underlying health issues, such as dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, congestive heart failure, and increased body metabolic process. Consult a doctor to understand your condition and get appropriate treatment.

Q. What does a low BUN/Creatinine ratio mean?

A low BUN/Creatinine ratio may be due to inadequate protein intake, reduced urea synthesis as in advanced liver disease or kidney failure, or if you are undergoing hemodialysis. Talk to your doctor to get help if you have a low Bun/Creatinine ratio.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of abnormal BUN/Creatinine levels?

The signs and symptoms that might indicate abnormal BUN/creatinine levels include high blood pressure, belly pain, pain in the middle back, foamy or bloody urine, painful urination, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, and fatigue.

Q. Why should I take a BUN/Creatinine test?

The main reasons to take a BUN/Creatinine test are to evaluate the health of your kidneys and to detect acute or chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and urinary tract blockages. The test may also be done to evaluate ongoing treatment for a kidney-related health concern.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a BUN/Creatinine test?

There is no risk associated with a BUN/Creatinine test. However, you can feel slight pain at the site where a needle is pricked, which is usually self-limiting. Rarely, some people may also experience swelling or bruising at the injection site. Applying ice over the area 3-4 times for about a week may provide relief. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

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