I'm getting an MRI!?

Question

Why did my doctor order lab work that tested my Bun & Creatine levels?

Answer 1

Gadolinium can damage the kidneys, and cause other problems- rare, but serious.  So they want to know your kidneys are healthy before they give you contrast with your MRI.

Answer 2

As a general rule, the BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine (not creatine, that's something different) levels tell your doctor something about your kidney function.  However, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that there's something wrong with your kidneys.

If you're having contrast during your MRI (usually the contrast agent is gadolinium for MRI, though there are some others) they will want to check your kidney function to be on the safe side, because the contrast is eliminated renally.  That's probably why your doctor checked, just to be sure.

Good luck, and I hope everything goes well with the MRI!

Answer 3

Those tests relate to kidney function, I believe.  What is the MRI for?  What part of the body?