Question 1

What is kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Kidney disease is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is caused by damage to the nephrons, the filtering units in the kidneys, often resulting from diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic inflammation. The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile with eGFR is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate, which directly assess kidney function.

Question 2

What causes kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Kidney disease is caused by damage to the nephrons, the tiny filtering units inside your kidneys that remove waste and excess fluid from your blood. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes, as prolonged high blood sugar and elevated blood pressure damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys. Other causes include chronic glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation), polycystic kidney disease, prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract, recurrent kidney infections, and autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Question 3

What is the best test for kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile with eGFR is the most important test for kidney disease because it measures creatinine levels and calculates your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which directly shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. This panel also checks electrolyte balance, blood glucose, and protein levels, all of which become abnormal when kidneys are not functioning properly. Additional tests like the Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test help confirm kidney dysfunction by measuring waste products that should be filtered out, while the Calcium, Ionized, Serum and Magnesium, Serum tests assess mineral metabolism complications that occur as kidney disease progresses.

Question 4

When should I get tested for kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, as these are the leading causes of kidney disease and regular monitoring is essential. Other reasons to test include if you notice swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, changes in urination frequency or color, persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or poor appetite. You should also consider testing if you have a family history of kidney disease, are over 60 years old, have heart disease, or take medications that can affect kidney function like lithium or long-term use of NSAIDs.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Kidney disease often develops silently with no symptoms in the early stages, which is why blood testing is so important for early detection. As the disease progresses, you might experience fatigue and weakness, swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands (edema), changes in urination such as foamy urine or needing to urinate more frequently at night, difficulty concentrating, poor appetite, muscle cramps, dry and itchy skin, and puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning. In advanced stages, you may notice nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and persistent high blood pressure.

Question 6

Who is at risk for kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at the highest risk for developing kidney disease, as these conditions damage the blood vessels in the kidneys over time. You are also at increased risk if you are over 60 years old, have a family history of kidney disease, have heart disease or have had a stroke, are obese, or smoke. Certain ethnicities including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans have higher rates of kidney disease. People who take certain medications long-term, such as NSAIDs, lithium, or proton pump inhibitors, or who have autoimmune diseases like lupus are also at elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if kidney disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If kidney disease is left untreated, it progresses through five stages, eventually leading to complete kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) where dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary to stay alive. As kidney function declines, waste products and fluid build up in your body, causing dangerous complications including severe high blood pressure, heart disease and heart failure, weak bones and increased fracture risk, anemia causing severe fatigue, damage to your central nervous system, weakened immune response making you more susceptible to infections, and life-threatening fluid buildup in your lungs. Early detection through blood testing and proper management can slow or even stop the progression of kidney disease.

Question 8

Can kidney disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, kidney disease can be diagnosed and monitored effectively with blood tests that measure how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. The most important blood tests include creatinine levels and the calculated eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which directly measure kidney function, as well as BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels, which show how efficiently your kidneys are removing waste products. Blood tests also detect complications of kidney disease by measuring electrolytes like potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as albumin and other proteins. While urine tests are also used to check for protein or blood in the urine, blood tests provide the most critical information about your kidney function.

Question 9

How is kidney disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of damage and managing complications. The most important steps include controlling blood pressure with medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which also protect the kidneys, and managing blood sugar levels if you have diabetes through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. Other treatments include taking medications to control cholesterol, treating anemia with iron supplements or erythropoietin, managing electrolyte imbalances, and following a kidney-friendly diet that limits sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. In advanced stages, dialysis or kidney transplant may become necessary. Regular blood testing is essential to monitor kidney function and adjust treatments as needed.

Question 10

How can I prevent kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent kidney disease by keeping your blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg through diet, exercise, and medication if needed, and by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Other prevention strategies include staying at a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods, exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, not smoking or quitting if you currently smoke, limiting alcohol consumption, and drinking plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out toxins. Avoid long-term use of over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs that can damage kidneys, and get regular blood tests to check kidney function if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support kidney health?

Accepted Answer

You can support kidney health at home by staying well-hydrated with water throughout the day, which helps your kidneys flush out toxins and waste products. Reduce your sodium intake by avoiding processed foods and not adding extra salt to meals, as excess sodium forces your kidneys to work harder. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting red meat and foods high in phosphorus and potassium if advised by your doctor. Regular exercise helps control blood pressure and blood sugar, both of which protect kidney function. However, these home remedies cannot replace medical treatment if you have kidney disease, and regular blood testing is essential to monitor your kidney function and catch any decline early.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Kidney Disease Blood Test

What is Kidney disease?

What causes kidney disease?

What is the best test for kidney disease?

When should I get tested for kidney disease?

References

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