Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a medical laboratory test that measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins in the body. This test helps assess kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering urea from the blood and excreting it through urine. Elevated BUN levels can indicate renal impairment, dehydration, or increased protein intake, making it a critical marker in diagnosing and managing renal diseases.
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