What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms that might indicate kidney problems or dehydration, such as frequent urination, swelling in your legs or ankles, persistent fatigue, or changes in how much you're drinking or urinating. It helps identify whether your kidneys are filtering waste properly and whether you're adequately hydrated. Many people use this test to monitor chronic conditions, assess protein metabolism, or investigate unexplained fatigue and fluid retention.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your BUN and creatinine ratio means for your kidney function and hydration status. These notes include personalized recommendations like adjusting your water intake, dietary protein modifications, or whether you should follow up with a nephrologist if kidney function appears compromised. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your kidney health over time using our trends feature to monitor improvements or changes.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the ratio between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, two waste products that your kidneys filter from your blood. The ratio helps distinguish between different types of kidney issues, dehydration status, and how well your body is processing protein. Together, these measurements provide insight into kidney function, hydration levels, and protein metabolism that can explain symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease who need to monitor kidney function regularly. It's also important for athletes or people who experience frequent dehydration, anyone taking medications that can affect the kidneys, and individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination patterns.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, swelling or puffiness in your legs, ankles, or face, changes in how often you urinate or the color of your urine, and feeling unusually thirsty or dehydrated. You might also notice foamy urine, difficulty concentrating, muscle cramps, or a general feeling of being unwell that suggests your body isn't filtering waste properly.

How can I naturally support my kidney health?

Stay well-hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day, aiming for pale yellow urine as a good indicator. Maintain a balanced diet that's not excessively high in protein, limit salt intake, and include kidney-friendly foods like berries, apples, and fish. Regular exercise, maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and avoiding excessive use of pain medications like ibuprofen can also protect kidney function.

What does a high BUN/Creatinine ratio mean?

A high ratio often indicates dehydration, where your blood becomes more concentrated, or reduced blood flow to the kidneys from conditions like heart failure or blood loss. It can also suggest a high-protein diet, gastrointestinal bleeding, or certain medications affecting kidney function. The result helps your doctor determine whether the issue is related to your kidneys themselves or factors affecting them externally.

What does a low BUN/Creatinine ratio mean?

A low ratio may indicate a low-protein diet, liver disease affecting urea production, or overhydration. It can also occur with certain muscle conditions or during pregnancy. While less common than a high ratio, it still provides valuable information about your protein metabolism, liver function, and overall nutritional status that may need attention.

What causes abnormal BUN/Creatinine ratios?

Abnormal ratios can result from dehydration, kidney disease, urinary blockages, heart failure, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Other causes include high or low protein intake, certain medications like steroids or diuretics, liver disease, and muscle disorders. Even factors like intense exercise, fever, or recent high-protein meals can temporarily affect your results.

How often should I retest my kidney function?

If you have chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, your doctor typically recommends testing every 3-6 months to monitor progression. For athletes monitoring hydration and protein metabolism, testing every 6-12 months is common. If your initial test shows abnormalities, your doctor may want to retest in 2-4 weeks after making hydration or dietary changes to see if levels improve.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

BUN/Creatinine Test - Kidney Function & Hydration

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Kidney Function Test for Fatigue and Swelling

BUN/Creatinine Ratio

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Kidney Function Test for Fatigue and Swelling

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say