Question 1

What is renal disease?

Accepted Answer

Renal disease is a progressive condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. It is caused by damage to the nephrons (filtering units) from diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, or autoimmune disorders. The Kidney Function Profile is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures BUN, creatinine, and the BUN to creatinine ratio to assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste.

Question 2

What causes renal disease?

Accepted Answer

Renal disease is caused by damage to the nephrons, which are the tiny filtering units inside your kidneys. The most common causes include uncontrolled diabetes, which damages blood vessels in the kidneys through high blood sugar levels, and chronic high blood pressure, which puts excessive strain on the delicate kidney filters. Other causes include glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney filters), polycystic kidney disease (a genetic condition causing cysts), recurrent kidney infections, autoimmune diseases like lupus, and prolonged use of certain medications like NSAIDs. Once the nephrons are damaged, they cannot regenerate, which is why early detection is critical.

Question 3

What is the best test for renal disease?

Accepted Answer

The Kidney Function Profile is the most important test for renal disease because it measures three critical markers that reveal how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) shows whether waste products are accumulating in your blood instead of being removed by the kidneys. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle breakdown that healthy kidneys filter out efficiently, so elevated levels indicate kidney damage. The BUN to creatinine ratio helps doctors determine whether kidney problems are caused by dehydration, kidney damage, or other issues. Together, these markers provide a comprehensive picture of kidney function and help identify disease in its early stages before symptoms appear.

Question 4

When should I get tested for renal disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, as these are the leading causes of kidney damage. Other reasons to test include a family history of kidney disease, frequent urinary tract infections, foamy or bloody urine, swelling in your ankles or feet, persistent fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. People over 60, those with heart disease, and anyone taking medications that can affect kidney function should also consider regular testing. Since kidney disease often has no symptoms in early stages, testing is especially important for those with risk factors, as early detection can slow or prevent progression to kidney failure.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of renal disease?

Accepted Answer

Early renal disease often causes no symptoms, which is why blood testing is so important. As kidney function declines, you might notice fatigue and weakness, swelling in your ankles or feet due to fluid retention, foamy urine from protein leakage, decreased urine output or changes in urination frequency, difficulty concentrating or brain fog, poor appetite and nausea, muscle cramps especially at night, and persistent itching. In advanced stages, you may experience shortness of breath from fluid buildup, chest pain, and severe swelling. Many people do not realize they have kidney disease until significant damage has occurred, making preventive screening essential for those with risk factors.

Question 6

Who is at risk for renal disease?

Accepted Answer

People with diabetes are at highest risk because high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys over time. Those with high blood pressure face significant risk as it puts constant strain on kidney filters. Other risk factors include being over age 60, having a family history of kidney disease, heart disease or heart failure, obesity, smoking, frequent use of NSAIDs or certain prescription medications, recurrent kidney infections or kidney stones, and autoimmune conditions like lupus. African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans have higher genetic susceptibility to kidney disease. If you have multiple risk factors, regular kidney function testing is essential for early detection.

Question 7

What happens if renal disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated renal disease progresses through five stages, eventually leading to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. As kidney function declines, waste products and toxins accumulate in your blood, causing uremia, which affects every organ system. You face increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack because damaged kidneys cannot regulate blood pressure or remove excess fluid. Severe anemia develops as failing kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production. Bone disease occurs from mineral imbalances, nerve damage causes numbness and pain, and your immune system weakens, making infections more dangerous. Early detection and treatment can slow progression significantly, but once kidneys fail, you need dialysis or transplant to survive.

Question 8

Can renal disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are the primary method for diagnosing and monitoring renal disease. The Kidney Function Profile measures BUN, creatinine, and the BUN to creatinine ratio, which directly reflect how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. Elevated levels of these markers indicate reduced kidney function. Blood tests can also measure estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which calculates kidney function percentage based on creatinine levels, age, sex, and race. Additional blood tests may check electrolyte levels, calcium, phosphorus, and hemoglobin, all of which are affected by kidney function. While urine tests provide complementary information about protein leakage, blood tests are essential for accurate diagnosis and staging of kidney disease.

Question 9

How is renal disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing complications. If diabetes or high blood pressure caused the kidney damage, strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure is essential, often with ACE inhibitors or ARBs that protect kidney function. Dietary changes include limiting sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, while reducing protein intake may decrease kidney workload. Medications treat complications like anemia (erythropoietin injections), bone disease (phosphate binders and vitamin D), and fluid retention (diuretics). In advanced stages, dialysis filters waste from your blood when kidneys can no longer do so, and kidney transplant may be an option. Regular blood testing monitors treatment effectiveness and disease progression, allowing doctors to adjust medications and interventions.

Question 10

How can I prevent renal disease?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with managing the two biggest risk factors: keep blood sugar controlled if you have diabetes through medication, diet, and regular monitoring, and maintain healthy blood pressure below 120/80 through lifestyle changes and medication if needed. Stay well-hydrated with water throughout the day to help kidneys flush waste efficiently. Avoid overuse of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can damage kidneys with prolonged use. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise, as obesity increases kidney disease risk. Do not smoke, as it damages blood vessels and worsens kidney function. Limit alcohol consumption and reduce sodium intake. Get regular kidney function blood tests if you have risk factors, as early detection allows intervention before significant damage occurs.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with renal disease?

Accepted Answer

While natural remedies cannot reverse kidney damage, certain approaches support kidney health alongside medical treatment. Stay hydrated with adequate water intake to help kidneys flush waste, but follow your doctor's fluid recommendations if you have advanced disease. Reduce sodium intake by avoiding processed foods, which decreases fluid retention and blood pressure strain on kidneys. Limit potassium and phosphorus by choosing lower amounts of bananas, oranges, dairy, and nuts if blood tests show elevated levels. Some people find benefit from omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, which may reduce inflammation, though research is mixed. Cranberry extract might prevent urinary tract infections in those prone to them, reducing infection-related kidney damage. Always consult your doctor before taking supplements, as some herbal remedies can worsen kidney function or interact with medications.

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:
            
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                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.
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                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.
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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
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            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.
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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.
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            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).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Renal Disease Blood Test

What is Renal disease?

What causes renal disease?

What is the best test for renal disease?

When should I get tested for renal disease?

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