
Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
This test measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, a key indicator of kidney and metabolic health.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - This test measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, a key indicator of kidney and metabolic health. Urea is the main waste product from the breakdown of protein. A BUN test is crucial for diagnosing and managing renal and metabolic disorders. High BUN levels may indicate increased urea production due to a high-protein diet, severe infections, dehydration, heart failure, kidney disease, or blockages in the urinary tract. Low levels might suggest advanced liver disease or overhydration.
What patients is this test right for?
This test is particularly useful for individuals showing symptoms of kidney issues or those with conditions affecting their metabolism.
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL serum. A simple blood draw is needed.
2–5 business days
Male (mg/dL) Female (mg/dL)
<1 Month 4-12 3-17
1-11 Months 2-13 4-14
1-3 Years 3-12 3-14
4-19 Years 7-20 7-20
≥20 Years 7-25 7-25
<1 Month 4-12 3-17
1-11 Months 2-13 4-14
1-3 Years 3-12 3-14
4-19 Years 7-20 7-20
≥20 Years 7-25 7-25
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 5 days
- Frozen: 28 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Anticoagulants other than heparin
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island




