What does BUN stand for, which measures renal function by indicating nitrogen levels in the blood?

BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, which is a critical test used to assess renal function. It measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from urea, a waste product formed in the liver after the body breaks down protein. Elevated levels of BUN can indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering urea from the blood and excreting it in urine. Therefore, assessing BUN levels provides valuable insight into how well the kidneys are working and helps in diagnosing various conditions related to kidney health. Understanding this measurement is essential for healthcare providers, particularly when evaluating patients with kidney disease, dehydration, or other related issues.