A BUN, or blood urea nitrogen test, can provide bun butter information about your kidney function. The main job of your kidneys is to remove waste and extra fluid from your body.

If you have kidney disease, this waste material can build up in your blood. The BUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that your kidneys remove from your blood. Higher than normal BUN levels may be a sign that your kidneys aren’t working well. People with early kidney disease may not have any symptoms. A BUN test can help uncover kidney problems at an early stage when treatment can be more effective. A BUN test is often part of a series of tests called a comprehensive metabolic panel.

It can help diagnose or monitor a kidney disease or disorder. Why do I need a BUN test? Your health care provider may order a BUN test as part of a routine check-up or if you have or are at risk for a kidney problem. Early kidney disease usually does not have any signs or symptoms. What happens during a BUN test? A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.