How to Understand High BUN to creatinine Test Results

BUN to Creatinine Tests are Blood Tests

The BUN to Creatinine Levels will show kidney dysfunction from three different causes. The causes of a high level result are here.

Things You'll Need

• blood tests

Instructions

1. The BUN to Creatinine ratio for normal results for anyone over 12 months of age is a 10:1 to 20:1. They are designed to show the levels of kidney dysfunction the patient has. It can also be used as a measuring device to see if a kidney treatment is working or if the kidney trouble is worsening. These are normal tests in those undergoing chronic kidney care or in diabetics.

2. High BUN to creatinine ratio results can be from:
   • Extreme dehydration. High levels can be the response to dehydration due to the stress and strain that is put on the kidneys and the concentration of uric acid in the urine.

3. • Urinary tract blockages. Urinary tract blockages will stop the flow of uric acid in the body and keep it trapped.

4. • GI (gastrointestinal) or respiratory bleed in the body.

Tips & Warnings

• These tests need to be done a certain way. Patients should not eat protein (meat, beans, etc) a day before the test (a full 24 hours). At the office they will draw blood and then put gauze and medical tape where the needle was inserted to remove the blood. It will not be any different than any other blood test you've received.

• Make sure to tell your doctor if you are on antibiotics, diuretics, or corticosteroids because this can alter the results and not show the true kidney function values that are needed. They may postpone the test until you are off these medications or do a different test altogether. Either way, creating false positives can hinder a correct diagnosis and alter the path of already established treatment options.

Resources

• National Women's Health