BUN and creatinine levels are used to assess renal function. BUN reflects the balance between production and excretion of urea in the kidneys, and is increased in conditions that decrease renal function like acute renal failure. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism that is excreted by the kidneys, making its level a marker of glomerular filtration rate and kidney function. Both BUN and creatinine are elevated when renal function declines and excretion decreases.