BUN reagents are biochemical substances used in the measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, a common clinical test that assesses kidney function and hydration status. Blood urea nitrogen is a waste product generated from the breakdown of proteins in the liver. It is filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body through urine.
The BUN assay typically involves the enzymatic or colorimetric measurement of urea nitrogen in blood plasma or serum samples. In the enzymatic method, urease enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia generated reacts with other substances to form a colored product, which is quantified using spectrophotometry. Alternatively, in the colorimetric method, a chemical reaction occurs between urea and specific reagents to produce a colored compound, the intensity of which correlates with the concentration of urea nitrogen in the sample. This colorimetric change is then measured spectrophotometrically to determine BUN levels.