What causes kidney damage?

Kidney damage is caused by toxic exposure to heavy metals like hexavalent chromium, chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Occupational or environmental exposure to chromium through industrial work, contaminated water, or welding fumes can directly injure the kidneys as they filter these toxins from your bloodstream. Other common causes include prolonged use of NSAIDs, untreated urinary tract infections, and diseases like lupus that attack kidney tissue.

What is the best test for kidney damage?

The Chromium Urine Test is the most important test for kidney damage caused by toxic metal exposure because it directly measures chromium levels being filtered through your kidneys. Elevated chromium in urine indicates your kidneys have been exposed to potentially harmful levels of this heavy metal, which is especially common in industrial workers, welders, and those exposed to contaminated environments. This test helps identify whether occupational or environmental chromium exposure is contributing to your kidney dysfunction, allowing you to address the source of damage before it progresses.

When should I get tested for kidney damage?

You should get tested if you work in industries involving metal plating, welding, tanning, or manufacturing where chromium exposure is common. Get tested immediately if you notice decreased urine output, swelling in your legs or ankles, persistent fatigue, nausea, or changes in urine color. You should also consider testing if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, as these conditions significantly increase your risk of developing kidney damage over time.

What are the symptoms of kidney damage?

Symptoms of kidney damage include decreased urine output, swelling in your legs and ankles, persistent fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, and changes in urine color or foaminess. You might notice loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, muscle cramps, and high blood pressure that is difficult to control. In early stages, kidney damage often has no symptoms, which is why testing is essential if you have risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or toxic exposure.

Who is at risk for kidney damage?

People at highest risk include those with diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the leading causes of kidney damage. Industrial workers exposed to heavy metals like chromium, including welders, metal platers, and manufacturing employees, face significant risk. You are also at increased risk if you have a family history of kidney disease, are over age 60, have heart disease, are obese, smoke, or regularly use NSAIDs or other nephrotoxic medications.

What happens if kidney damage is left untreated?

Untreated kidney damage progresses to chronic kidney disease and eventually kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplant to survive. As your kidneys fail, dangerous levels of waste and fluid accumulate in your body, leading to severe complications including heart disease, stroke, bone disease, anemia, nerve damage, and weakened immune function. Early detection through blood work allows you to slow or stop the progression of kidney damage, while untreated damage becomes irreversible and life-threatening.

Can kidney damage be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, kidney damage can be diagnosed with blood and urine tests that measure how well your kidneys are filtering waste. The Chromium Urine Test specifically identifies toxic metal exposure that damages kidneys, while other blood tests measure creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and estimated glomerular filtration rate to assess overall kidney function. These lab tests detect kidney damage early, often before symptoms appear, allowing for intervention to prevent further deterioration.

How is kidney damage treated?

Kidney damage treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and slowing progression. If toxic exposure like chromium is identified, you must eliminate the source of exposure immediately and may receive chelation therapy to remove heavy metals. Managing diabetes and blood pressure with medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications is essential. Treatment may include ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect kidney function, dietary protein restriction, phosphate binders, and in advanced cases, dialysis or kidney transplant.

How can I prevent kidney damage?

Prevent kidney damage by controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes and maintaining blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. Use proper protective equipment if you work with heavy metals like chromium, including respirators and protective clothing. Stay hydrated, limit NSAID use, avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and follow a kidney-friendly diet low in sodium and processed foods. Get regular checkups with blood work to detect early signs of kidney problems, especially if you have risk factors.

What can I do at home for kidney damage?

At home, reduce sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg daily, drink plenty of water unless your doctor advises fluid restriction, and follow a kidney-friendly diet limiting phosphorus and potassium if recommended. Monitor your blood pressure daily, maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise, and avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen. If you have occupational chromium exposure, shower immediately after work and wash work clothes separately to prevent bringing toxins home to your family.

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.

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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.

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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.

Kidney Damage Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Kidney Damage Blood Test

What is Kidney damage?

Kidney damage is an injury or impairment of the kidneys' ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. It is caused by toxic exposure to heavy metals like hexavalent chromium, diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, or autoimmune diseases. The Chromium Urine Test is the most important test for diagnosing kidney damage from toxic metal exposure.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

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

support@privatemdlabs.com