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Blood Urea / BUN: normal range & what your result means
Urea (or BUN, blood urea nitrogen) is a waste product from protein breakdown, filtered by the kidneys. It is read alongside creatinine.
Typical adult reference range
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Blood urea | 15–40 mg/dL |
| BUN | 7–20 mg/dL |
What a HIGH result can mean
- High urea/BUN can reflect dehydration, a high-protein diet, bleeding in the gut, or reduced kidney function
What a LOW result can mean
- Low urea can occur with a low-protein diet, pregnancy or liver disease
Ranges vary by lab. Reference ranges are TYPICAL ADULT values and vary by laboratory, age, sex, pregnancy and the method used. Always read your result against the range printed on YOUR report, and let your doctor interpret it alongside your history.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between urea and BUN?
They measure the same thing reported differently — BUN counts only the nitrogen part. BUN ≈ urea ÷ 2.14. Use whichever your lab reports, against its range.
Does a high urea always mean kidney trouble?
No — dehydration and a high-protein meal commonly raise it. It is most useful read together with creatinine and eGFR.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.