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Overview

Urea Test

Urea Test

also known as: Blood Urea Nitrogen, BUN

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test (BUN) test is primarily used to evaluate the kidney function of the patient. It may also be prescribed to evaluate a patient’s general health status. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when protein is metabolized in the body. Urea is released by the liver in the blood and carried to the kidneys. Here is filtered out of the body through urine. Since this is an ongoing process a small but stable amount of urea nitrogen circulates in the blood which is not harmful. Although when the kidneys cannot perform well and fail to filter out the waste, the level of urea rises in the blood. The symptoms related to the dysfunction of kidney include frequent urination, pain while urinating, swelling in arms, legs, ankles, around eyes, joint or bone pain, and continuous fatigue.

The patient is advised to inform his/her medicine intake to the doctor prior to the test as some medicines can alter the test results. If you are prescribed only for a BUN test, you can eat and drink normally but if any other tests are prescribed it may include fasting before the test.

The results of the BUN test are considered to be normal id between 7 to 20 mg/dL. Several things can affect your BUN test results, so having a BUN level that is lower or higher than the normal range doesn’t always mean there is a problem. It is advised to consult the doctor for further diagnosis. Higher level Dehydration Urinary tract obstruction Shock Stress Lower level are usually rare, but if detected it can be due to liver diseases.

A band is wrapped around the arm, preferably near the elbow pit such that vein is clearly seen The area is cleaned with 70% alcohol The needle is inserted into the visible vein causing a small prick and the required amount of blood sample is collected The collected blood is transferred into the blood container from the nozzle and the syringe is hygienically disposed immediately

LimitationsUremia is best evaluated with creatinine as well as urea nitrogen.1 In both prerenal and postrenal azotemia, for instance, BUN is apt to be increased somewhat more than is creatinine; however, in a series of dehydrated children with gastroenteritis who had metabolic acidosis and increased anion gap, 88% had BUN concentration ≤18 mg/dL. The authors found bicarbonate and anion gap more sensitive indices in this setting.5 In chronic progressive renal disease, about three-quarters of the renal parenchyma must be damaged or destroyed before azotemia develops.
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume
1 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube, green-top (lithium heparin) tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube; do not use ammonia heparin tube..
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Urea
Unisex
< 18 years
7 - 20 mg/dl
Urea
Unisex
> 18 years
5 - 18 mg/dl

Table of Content

What is Urea Test?
Preparation for Urea Test
Uses of Urea Test
Procedure for Urea Test
Limitations of Urea Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Urea Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

What are the possible causes of serious and continuous hiccup? Give me some possible remedies dear doctors.

MBBS
General Physician, Durg
What are the possible causes of serious and continuous hiccup? Give me some possible remedies dear doctors.
If irritation start in stomach causes of infection in digestion hyperacidity hepatitis A gall bladder stone and more. Treatment depending on cause .you can take cap tzoy one cap one time a day, syp acivay 2 tsf 2 tims a day after meal.
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From d past one month I am having a pain in my heel area of my right leg. Actually this pain started 2-3 years back but it happen only sometimes but now I am suffering from pain from past 1 month. I do not know please help me with the reason and how to diagnose if there is any problem or not. Although I have slipped disc problem as well.

DHMS (Hons.)
Homeopath, Patna
From d past one month I am having a pain in my heel area of my right leg. Actually this pain started 2-3 years back b...
Hello, You should reduce your weight if you are obeased. Tk, plenty of water to hydrate your body. Go for meditation to reduce your stress nourishing your whole body. Your diet be regular, easily digestible on time. To check gastric disorder. Tk, homoeopathic medicine:@.Cal carb 200-6 pills, thrice. @ Ruta g 200-6 pills, thrice Tk, care.

My wife is 42 year old. She is suffering thyroid knot at right side. What type of medicine she should take. My nearest doctor suggest aloevera juice take and rub jelly on neck.

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Mr. lybrate-user, Thanks for the query. First thing to be done is to do a Thyroid Function test, check the hormone levels and come back with the results. The swelling could be due to hypothyroidism or due to hyper activity. Plus there is a need to get ultra sonography of the gland should be done. Please do not rub any juice on the gland. It may do more harm than any good. The thyroid swellings occur because of some internal functional problems. Which can be detected only by proper testing. Hence you may have to go to an endocrinologist near by for getting these things done. Thanks.
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Popular Health Tips

Epidurals - Know The Benefits & Disadvantages!

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Epidurals - Know The Benefits & Disadvantages!

Modern women want to have it all, in personal and professional life. They want to experience the joy of motherhood but not the pain associated with normal delivery. For such women, epidural analgesia during labour is a blessing. Epidural analgesia/anaesthesia is given to pregnant women during childbirth. Epidural painkillers stop the pain signals transmitted nerves from uterus. This stops the pain sensation of labour. For epidural analgesia, a catheter (small tube) is inserted into the epidural space in the spinal cord. It is through this tube that the drugs (painkillers) reach the desired nerves. 

Types of Epidurals: 

Epidurals can be 

  1. Injection with top-ups: Once given, epidurals help to relieve the pain that arises due to contractions. When the epidural starts to wear off, top-ups or refills are used. The refills can last for 1-2 hours. 
  2. Combined Spinal Epidural: Compared to the regular epidurals, the combined spinal epidurals are powerful, quick, and more effective. Here too, epidural painkillers are made to pass through the catheter, once the first injection wears off. It is also known as Walking Epidural. 
  3. Continuous infusion (patient-controlled epidural analgesia): Here, the other end of the epidural catheter is attached to a pump. This pump continuously infuses the painkillers into your back. For an effective response, top-ups may be used. Many hospitals allow patients to control the pump. 

Merits and demerits of having an epidural--

Merits: 

  1. Epidurals make the delivery smooth and hassle free. 
  2. Epidurals are relatively safe as only a small fraction of the medicine reaches the baby. 
  3. Women stay fully awake and experience no pain during the cervix dilation. This enables them to push the baby out with more energy.
  4. Depending on the requirement, the dosage of epidurals can be adjusted. 
  5. Epidurals help to lower the cases of C-section delivery. 

Demerits: 
Though epidurals make childbirth easy, one cannot overlook its demerits. 

  1. Infections can sometimes occur. 
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  3. Though rare, epidural can result in nerve damage. 
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  5. Nausea, headache, itchiness, backache, soreness are the common side effects of epidurals. 
  6. Epidurals relax a woman, thereby reducing their urge to push the baby out. 

Thus, they may take longer than usual to push the baby. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Pain Management Specialist.

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These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

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These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

When it comes to maintaining proper penis health, most men have a very good idea of what to do. They know all the basics of penis care, from taking care to wash properly to regularly inspecting the manhood to applying a high-quality penis health crème. But in the heat of the moment, when sexual fun is getting hot and heavy, a man might make a silly mistake. Those sexual mistakes can compromise penis health in a serious way.

Not sure what sexual mistakes might be a problem? Here's a list of the biggest issues a man might find himself doing when things are hot - and might regret when things cool off.

1. That lube isn't really lube. A man who is getting it on but suddenly realizes the need for lube might reach for whatever is handy, assuming a bottle of lube is not available - and sometimes that means he will try to use anything from shampoo or conditioner to lotion or cooking oils. Obviously these things are not meant for use as a sexual lubricant, and can lead to dry and cracked skin, irritation and more. Using lube designed specifically for the sexual purpose is always recommended.

2. The condom is too small. Though it is very important to always wrap it up before sexual activity, the wrapping itself might sometimes be the issue. Using a condom that is too small might lead to a little irritation in the heat of the moment, but a man can often ignore that for pursuit of pleasure. The aftermath is when things get rough, as the penis can develop small cuts, tears or even blisters from the use of a condom that is too tight. It pays to test out a variety of condoms to find the best fit.

3. There's been too much drinking. Sometimes a bit of inebriation can be a good thing, as it lowers inhibitions and can help both partners relax before the main event. But too much drinking can lead to serious problems, including trouble with getting it up or issues with stamina. But too much alcohol consumption can lead to even worse things, such as forgetting to use a condom or even suffering memory loss that leaves a man wondering just what happened the night before. Avoiding this is simple: don't drink too much before a bedtime romp.

4. Cleaning up is not a priority. There are plenty of bodily fluids sliding around during sexual activity, and much of that understandably winds up on a man's penis. From the natural lubrication that occurs during sex to the traces of spermicide in the condom, there can be several substances that linger. A man who doesn't clean off his penis after sex is asking for trouble, as those fluids can dry on the penis skin, leading to itching, irritation and redness, as well as a potential penis rash.

A man who pays attention to good penis care should always remember that caring for the penis extends to those moments when things are hot and heavy. Not only should a man be fully prepared for any sexual encounter, he should also be sure to take care to clean up well afterward. Maintaining good health should also include regular use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that includes a multitude of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A for odor-fighting properties, vitamin E to keep skin supple, and vitamin C to enhance sexual health. Amino acids such as L-arginine for blood vessel dilation and acetyl-L-carnitine for protection against peripheral nerve damage are also helpful. Combine it all in a Shea butter base and a man has the recipe for great penis health.

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Know The Ayurvedic Approach To Reversing Diabetes!!

Glucose is the primary ingredient within the body which is turned into an energy source. This is what we use when we move, walk or make the slightest movements. To metabolize glucose into energy, your body needs insulin, which is a hormone produced within the pancreas. However, if the body doesn't react to the insulin or the pancreas is unable to produce enough, glucose cannot be converted into energy and thus results in type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

  1. Sudden or gradual weight loss despite increased hunger - Many people complain that they feel hungry and eat more, but despite this, tend to lose weight. This occurs as the body cannot metabolize glucose and uses energy reserves from fat or muscles leading to weight loss.
  2. Frequent infections and slow healing - If you are afflicted with Type 2 diabetes, then it might affect your immune system and you may be prone to infections. Also, any cuts or bruises on your body will take much longer to heal than normal.
  3. Irritability and fatigue - Another common symptom of type 2 diabetes along with the other symptoms mentioned here is quick irritability and fatigue. This is because most of the body is deprived of sugar and thus lacks the energy needed to function normally. 
  4. Constant thirst and increased urination - If you feel constantly thirsty despite drinking ample water and urinating frequently, this may be a tell tale sign of type 2 diabetes.
  5. Skin darkening in folds and creases of the body - Also known as acanthosis nigricans; this is a darkening of the skin where it also becomes velvety to the touch. It usually develops in the folds on skin in areas such as the neck and armpits and is a direct result of insulin resistance.

Causes of Type 2 diabetes

Some of the most common causes of Type 2 diabetes could be:

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  4. If you are more than 45 years of age
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Reverse Diabetes

There three major factors that can help you prevent and reverse pre- and type II diabetes: proper diet and appropriate nutritional and herbal supplementation, exercise, and weight management.

  1. Diet: Proper diet is critical for both preventing and treating pre-and type II diabetes. One of the most important dietary precautions you can take is to eliminate all refined sugars and sugar products from your diet. Also reduce or eliminate your intake of alcohol and caffeine; avoid fast, processed "junk" foods and soda, altogether; and eat protein snacks between meals.
  2. Eating According to the Glycemic Index: Another important dietary tip is eat meals that contains an abundance of low-glycemic (low-sugar) foods. By doing so you can significantly improve your body's ability to maintain low insulin and blood sugar levels. Low-glycemic foods include raw, organic leafy green vegetables, fruits that contain pits, sweet potatoes, yams, organic whole-grain breads and cereals, most legumes and nuts, skim and buttermilk, poultry, white fish, shellfish, and lean cuts of beef and veal.
  3. Nutritional and Herbal Supplements: In addition to a healthy diet, many people at risk for or who already have pre- or type II diabetes will also benefit from various nutritional and herbal supplements.
  4. Exercise: Regular exercise should be part of every diabetic's daily routine. Exercise in combination with a weight loss program has been proven to reduce the odds of developing diabetes by 58 percent among people who are at risk for the disease. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult with the doctor for diabetes ayurvedic treatment.
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