Better2Know Liver & kidney

Blood Urea Nitrogen Test

This blood test measures blood urea nitrogen (BUN), a waste product used as an indicator of kidney function. It suits people who want a specific check on kidney health rather than a broader panel.

Sample
Blood
Collection
Venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Results in
1 day
Biomarkers
1
Tests for
  • Blood urea nitrogen

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
blood
Collection method
venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Turnaround time
1 day
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.

Kidney health

  • Blood urea nitrogen

About this test

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product created when your body breaks down protein, and is normally filtered out by the kidneys and passed in urine. Measuring it gives an indication of how well your kidneys are functioning: high levels can point to dehydration, a high-protein diet or kidney problems, while low levels can be linked to a low-protein diet, being overhydrated or liver disease. It is a single, focused marker rather than a broad kidney panel.

We do not have a directly comparable rival test on file for BUN specifically, so we cannot compare it on price against named peers. Against the wider set of liver and kidney tests we track, it is priced close to the typical rate, at 7% above the median for tests of a similar size.

It scores well for clarity, with the sample type, what is measured and the turnaround clearly published, and moderately for clinical depth given it is a single marker rather than a wider panel. It loses marks on results and follow-up because a doctor only reviews your results and discusses next steps if your BUN level is out of range, rather than as a standard part of every test.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you specifically want to check your BUN level, for example if you are monitoring kidney health, protein intake or hydration, rather than wanting a broader liver or kidney panel. Better2Know includes a doctor's consultation in the price if your result is out of range.

We do not have a directly comparable rival test on file, so if you want wider kidney or liver coverage in one panel it is worth comparing this against a multi-marker kidney or liver profile rather than a single BUN test.

How it works

A medical practitioner takes a venous blood sample at a clinic, or you can arrange a home nurse visit, and the sample is sent to Better2Know's laboratory for testing. Results are ready within one working day of the sample arriving, delivered via your secure online patient area with a phone call, SMS or email notification; if your BUN level is out of range, a Better2Know doctor will discuss your options and refer you for further care.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Includes a doctor consultation in the price if your BUN result is out of range.
  • One working day turnaround once your sample reaches the lab.
  • Available with a home nurse visit if you'd rather not attend a clinic.

Cons

  • Only measures a single marker rather than a wider kidney or liver panel.
  • Priced 7% above the median for the liver and kidney tests we track.
  • A doctor only reviews results if they are out of range, not as standard.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Single-marker kidney function check
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

The Blood Urea Nitrogen Test is a £145 blood test that measures a single marker used to indicate how well your kidneys are functioning. We do not have a directly comparable rival test on file, but it prices close to the median for the liver and kidney tests we track, at 7% above. Results are back within one working day, though a doctor only reviews them if your levels are out of range.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 6.1/10

    1 biomarkers, placing it in the 26th percentile of liver kidney tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 6.0/10

    Requires a venous draw at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 1 days, well ahead of the liver kidney norm of 2.

  • Results and follow-up 3.0/10

    Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 6.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.

  • Value for money 6.1/10

    £145.00 against a median of £135.00 for the 17 similarly sized liver kidney tests we track (+7%).

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

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