Question 1

What is Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?

Accepted Answer

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a serious urinary tract infection affecting one or both kidneys. It is caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), that travel from the bladder up to the kidneys through the ureters. The Culture, Urine, Routine test is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines which antibiotics will be most effective.

Question 2

What causes kidney infection?

Accepted Answer

Kidney infection is caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the bladder, then continue upward to infect one or both kidneys. Escherichia coli (E. coli) from the intestinal tract causes about 80-90% of kidney infections, though other bacteria like Klebsiella, Proteus, and Enterococcus can also be responsible. The bacteria trigger inflammation in the kidney tissue, causing the characteristic symptoms of fever, back pain, and urinary discomfort that distinguish kidney infections from simple bladder infections.

Question 3

What is the best test for kidney infection?

Accepted Answer

The Culture, Urine, Routine is the most important test for kidney infection because it identifies the exact bacteria causing your infection and tests their sensitivity to different antibiotics. This test takes a sample of your urine and grows any bacteria present in a laboratory, typically revealing results within 24-48 hours. The culture not only confirms the diagnosis of bacterial infection but also provides critical antibiotic sensitivity information, ensuring your doctor prescribes the most effective treatment and helps prevent antibiotic resistance. While blood tests can show inflammation and help assess infection severity, the urine culture is essential for targeting the right antibiotic therapy.

Question 4

When should I get tested for kidney infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience fever above 101°F combined with lower back or side pain, especially if you also notice painful or frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or blood in your urine. Testing is also urgent if you have a history of urinary tract infections that suddenly worsen with back pain and fever, or if you develop nausea, vomiting, and chills alongside urinary symptoms. Early testing is critical because kidney infections can progress rapidly and lead to serious complications like kidney damage or blood infection if left untreated.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of kidney infection?

Accepted Answer

Kidney infection symptoms include high fever (often above 101°F), pain in your back, side, or groin area, and frequent or painful urination. You might notice your urine looks cloudy, smells bad, or contains blood, and you may feel a persistent urge to urinate even when your bladder is empty. Many people also experience nausea, vomiting, chills, and general weakness or fatigue. The combination of fever with back pain distinguishes kidney infections from simple bladder infections, which typically do not cause fever or back pain.

Question 6

Who is at risk for kidney infection?

Accepted Answer

Women are at significantly higher risk than men due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and kidneys. People with urinary tract blockages from kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or structural abnormalities face increased risk, as do those with weakened immune systems from diabetes, HIV, or immunosuppressive medications. Pregnancy increases risk due to hormonal changes and pressure on the urinary tract, and people who use urinary catheters or have nerve damage affecting bladder emptying are also more susceptible to developing kidney infections.

Question 7

What happens if kidney infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated kidney infection can lead to permanent kidney damage and scarring that impairs kidney function over time. The bacteria can spread from your kidneys into your bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency treatment. Pregnant women with untreated kidney infections face risks of premature delivery and low birth weight babies. In severe cases, abscesses can form in the kidney tissue, and recurrent untreated infections may eventually lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Question 8

Can kidney infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Kidney infection is primarily diagnosed through urine testing rather than blood tests, specifically the urine culture which identifies the bacteria causing the infection. Blood tests play a supporting role by measuring inflammatory markers like white blood cell count and C-reactive protein to assess infection severity, and checking kidney function through creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. In severe cases, doctors may order blood cultures to determine if bacteria have spread into the bloodstream, but the urine culture remains the essential diagnostic tool for confirming kidney infection and guiding antibiotic selection.

Question 9

How is kidney infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Kidney infection is treated with antibiotics, typically starting with broad-spectrum options like fluoroquinolones or cephalosporins while waiting for culture results, then switching to targeted antibiotics based on sensitivity testing. Mild cases may be treated with oral antibiotics at home for 7-14 days, while severe infections require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics, especially if you have high fever, severe pain, vomiting, or signs of sepsis. Your doctor will also recommend drinking plenty of fluids, using pain relievers like acetaminophen for fever and discomfort, and following up to ensure the infection has cleared completely.

Question 10

How can I prevent kidney infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent kidney infections by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to flush bacteria from your urinary tract, and urinating frequently rather than holding urine for long periods. Women should wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, urinate shortly after sexual intercourse, and avoid using irritating feminine products like douches or powders in the genital area. People with recurrent urinary tract infections should work with their doctor on preventive strategies, which may include low-dose antibiotics or cranberry supplements, and anyone with urinary catheters needs proper hygiene and regular catheter changes.

Question 11

What can I do at home for kidney infection?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot replace antibiotics for treating kidney infection, you can support your recovery by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily to help flush bacteria from your system and staying well-hydrated. Applying a heating pad to your back or side for 15-20 minutes can help ease pain, and getting plenty of rest allows your body to focus energy on fighting the infection. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that can irritate your bladder, and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen for fever and discomfort. However, always seek medical treatment for kidney infection as antibiotics are essential for clearing the bacterial infection and preventing serious complications.

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 Infection Blood Test & Urine Culture

What is Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?

What causes kidney infection?

What is the best test for kidney infection?

When should I get tested for kidney infection?

References

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