The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine ratio is a beneficial diagnostic software used to evaluate kidney perform and hydration standing. It’s decided by dividing the BUN worth (measured in mg/dL) by the creatinine worth (measured in mg/dL). For instance, if a affected person’s BUN is 20 mg/dL and their creatinine is 1 mg/dL, the ratio is 20:1.
This ratio is vital as a result of it gives insights past what BUN and creatinine ranges alone can provide. Elevated ratios might point out dehydration, elevated protein catabolism, or decreased renal perfusion. Conversely, decreased ratios might recommend liver illness, malnutrition, or sure situations of acute tubular necrosis. The ratio’s historic context is rooted within the growth of medical chemistry and the understanding of renal physiology.