What is the measure indicated by BUN in assessing kidney function?

The measure indicated by BUN in assessing kidney function is Blood Urea Nitrogen. BUN is a laboratory test that evaluates the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, which is produced when protein is metabolized in the body. The kidneys filter urea from the bloodstream and excrete it in urine, making BUN levels a useful indicator of kidney function.

When the kidneys are functioning properly, they effectively remove urea from the blood, maintaining normal BUN levels. Elevated BUN levels can signal impaired kidney function or other conditions that affect the kidneys' ability to filter waste, such as dehydration or urinary obstruction. Thus, monitoring BUN levels can provide valuable insight into a person's renal health and help diagnose or monitor kidney-related issues.