Final answer:
When a patient has BUN and creatinine tests, they serve distinct diagnostic requirements to evaluate kidney function and diagnose renal conditions. BUN measures urea in the blood, while creatinine gives a more specific look at kidney filtration efficiency. Elevated levels may indicate renal failure or impaired kidney function.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has BUN and a creatinine, there are specific diagnostic requirements for these tests. These tests are essential for assessing kidney function and diagnosing conditions such as acute renal failure (ARF) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) provides an estimate of urea in the blood and is an important indicator of kidney function, while creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism and provides a more specific look at kidney function.
The BUN levels should be within 8-20 mg/dl, and plasma creatinine levels should be between 0.8-1.2 mg/dl for males and 0.6-0.9 mg/dl for females. Creatinine clearance tests can also be performed to measure the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), giving a precise understanding of how well the kidneys filter waste. These values can vary in certain conditions, for example, a patient suffering from kidney failure may present with lower creatinine clearance, while it may be increased in cases of febrile disease.
Diagnosis of renal failure is confirmed when either creatinine or BUN levels are elevated, especially in conjunction with reduced urine output. Various factors, such as kidney stones, obstructed urinary catheters, or medication, can interfere with normal bladder function and elevate these markers.