Assay Principle:

The DetectX® Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Colorimetric Detection Kit quantitatively measures urea nitrogen levels in serum, plasma, urine, and saliva. This kit features a 30-minute run time, offering a quick and efficient assay process. Read the complete kit insert for detailed instructions before performing the assay. The kit includes a Urea Nitrogen standard to facilitate the creation of a precise standard curve.

Protocol Summary:

• Place standards or diluted samples into the provided transparent microtiter plate.
• Add color reagents A and B to each well, ensuring thorough mixing.
• Incubate the mixture at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the color-generating reaction between the color reagents and Urea Nitrogen in the sample.
• After incubation, use a plate reader to detect the generated signal at 450nm. Calculate the Urea Nitrogen concentration using the standard curve.

Background:

Urea, produced in the liver as a by-product of protein metabolism, is filtered from the blood by the kidneys. The filtration and reabsorption of urea nitrogen through the glomerulus and renal tubules are flow-dependent, making it a key biomarker of kidney function.

Normal adult blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels range between 7 and 21 mg urea nitrogen per 100 mL of blood (mg/dL). Elevated BUN levels (≥ 50 mg/dL), known as azotemia, correlates with acute kidney failure or injury, severe acute pancreatitis, congestive heart failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding.  High levels can also result from dehydration, alcohol abuse, or high protein diets. Lower than expected BUN levels are generally linked to liver disease or malnutrition, including malabsorption and low protein diets. Urine and saliva are useful non-invasive samples for urea nitrogen measurement.

The DetectX® Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Colorimetric Detection Kit is a valuable tool in clinical diagnostics and research. It allows for the effective assessment of kidney function and the detection of conditions affecting urea nitrogen levels.