Question 1

What is Kidney Disease or Dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Kidney disease or dehydration are conditions that impair the body's ability to filter waste products and maintain proper fluid balance. They are caused by chronic kidney damage reducing filtration capacity or insufficient fluid intake leading to concentrated blood. The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile with eGFR is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures BUN, creatinine, and the BUN/Creatinine ratio to distinguish between these conditions.

Question 2

What causes kidney disease or dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Kidney disease is caused by chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease that progressively damage the nephrons responsible for filtering blood. Dehydration is caused by insufficient fluid intake, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications like diuretics that increase fluid loss. Both conditions affect how waste products like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine accumulate in your bloodstream, though through different mechanisms.

Question 3

What is the best test for kidney disease or dehydration?

Accepted Answer

The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile with eGFR is the most important test for kidney disease or dehydration because it measures critical kidney function markers including BUN, creatinine, and the BUN/Creatinine ratio. This ratio is particularly valuable in distinguishing between the two conditions: dehydration typically causes BUN to rise more dramatically than creatinine, creating an elevated ratio, while kidney disease often elevates both markers proportionally. The panel also calculates your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which directly measures how well your kidneys filter waste, and includes electrolyte levels like sodium and potassium that help assess hydration status and kidney function.

Question 4

When should I get tested for kidney disease or dehydration?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience decreased urination or very dark urine, persistent fatigue and weakness, unexplained swelling in your legs or ankles, confusion or difficulty concentrating, or chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that increase kidney disease risk. Testing is also important if you have frequent vomiting or diarrhea, excessive thirst despite drinking fluids, or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection through blood testing allows for timely intervention before serious complications develop.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of kidney disease or dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Kidney disease symptoms include persistent fatigue, decreased urination or foamy urine, swelling in legs and ankles, shortness of breath, nausea, and poor appetite. Dehydration symptoms include excessive thirst, dark-colored urine, dizziness, dry mouth and skin, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Both conditions can cause weakness and difficulty concentrating because they affect your body's fluid and electrolyte balance. Many people with early kidney disease have no symptoms at all, which is why blood testing is essential for detection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for kidney disease or dehydration?

Accepted Answer

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney disease are at highest risk for kidney problems. Older adults, athletes who exercise intensely, people working in hot environments, and those taking diuretics or blood pressure medications face increased dehydration risk. Individuals with chronic urinary tract infections, kidney stones, autoimmune diseases like lupus, and those who regularly use NSAIDs or other nephrotoxic medications also have elevated kidney disease risk.

Question 7

What happens if kidney disease or dehydration is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated kidney disease progresses to chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplant, and increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, anemia, bone disease, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Severe dehydration can cause kidney damage, seizures, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, low blood volume shock, and even death in extreme cases. Both conditions create a dangerous cycle where kidney damage reduces the body's ability to maintain proper fluid balance, while chronic dehydration further damages kidney tissue and accelerates decline in kidney function.

Question 8

Can kidney disease or dehydration be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are the primary diagnostic tool for both kidney disease and dehydration. The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile measures BUN and creatinine levels, calculates the BUN/Creatinine ratio to distinguish between conditions, and provides eGFR to assess overall kidney function. These tests detect elevated waste products in your bloodstream that indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration. Blood tests also measure electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride that help determine hydration status and kidney health, making them essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.

Question 9

How is kidney disease or dehydration treated?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration treatment focuses on fluid replacement through increased water intake or intravenous fluids in severe cases, along with addressing the underlying cause like vomiting or diarrhea. Kidney disease treatment depends on the stage and cause but typically includes blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs, blood sugar control for diabetics, dietary changes to reduce sodium and protein, and medications to manage complications like anemia or bone disease. Advanced kidney disease may require dialysis or kidney transplant when kidney function drops below 15 percent.

Question 10

How can I prevent kidney disease or dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Prevent dehydration by drinking adequate water throughout the day, increasing fluid intake during exercise or hot weather, and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine. Prevent kidney disease by managing blood sugar and blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting NSAIDs and other potentially harmful medications. Regular blood tests to monitor kidney function are essential if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors.

Question 11

What can I do at home for kidney disease or dehydration?

Accepted Answer

For dehydration, drink water consistently throughout the day, consume electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water or sports drinks after intense exercise, and eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges. For kidney health, reduce sodium intake, limit protein to moderate amounts, stay well-hydrated, avoid excessive use of over-the-counter pain medications, and monitor your blood pressure at home. Keep a symptom diary to track urine output, swelling, and energy levels, and schedule regular blood tests to monitor kidney function markers before problems become serious.

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 or Dehydration Blood Test

What is Kidney Disease or Dehydration?

What causes kidney disease or dehydration?

What is the best test for kidney disease or dehydration?

When should I get tested for kidney disease or dehydration?

References

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