Blood Urea Nitrogen in Singapore
In Singapore, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is simply called "urea." 1
Laboratory Terminology Differences Between Countries
- In the United States, the term "Blood Urea Nitrogen" (BUN) is commonly used in clinical practice and laboratory reports 1
- In Singapore and many European countries, the same test is referred to as "urea" in laboratory reports and clinical documentation 1
- Both terms measure the same biological parameter - the nitrogen component of urea in the bloodstream 1
Clinical Significance and Measurement
- Urea is produced in the liver as a degradation product of proteins and is filtered by the kidneys 1
- Unlike creatinine, 40-50% of filtered urea is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule, paralleling sodium and water reabsorption 1
- Elevated urea levels may reflect:
- Congestion and fluid retention
- Cardiac dysfunction
- Renal dysfunction 1
Laboratory Sampling Considerations
- Proper blood sampling technique is essential to avoid dilution with saline or heparin, which could artificially lower urea values 1
- For hemodialysis patients, specific protocols exist for drawing pre-dialysis samples:
Clinical Applications
- Urea is used alongside creatinine to calculate important clinical parameters in kidney disease management 1
- In hemodialysis, urea measurements are essential for calculating:
- Elevated urea levels are independently associated with adverse outcomes in various clinical settings, regardless of creatinine levels 2, 3
International Standardization
- While terminology differs between countries, laboratory methods for measuring urea are standardized internationally 4
- The American Journal of Kidney Diseases and other international nephrology guidelines recognize both terms as equivalent 1
- When reviewing international research or communicating with colleagues from different countries, it's important to recognize that BUN and urea refer to the same clinical parameter 1, 4