Question 1

What is Urinary Tract Obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Urinary tract obstruction is a blockage that prevents urine from flowing normally through the urinary system, from the kidneys to the urethra. It is caused by kidney stones, enlarged prostate, tumors, blood clots, or scar tissue that physically blocks the urinary pathway. The Urea Nitrogen (BUN) blood test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures waste buildup when kidneys cannot properly filter due to blockage.

Question 2

What causes urinary tract obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Urinary tract obstruction is caused by physical blockages that prevent urine from flowing normally through your urinary system. Kidney stones are one of the most common causes, forming hard mineral deposits that can lodge anywhere along the urinary pathway. Other causes include an enlarged prostate in men (benign prostatic hyperplasia), tumors pressing on the urinary tract, blood clots, scar tissue from previous surgeries or infections, and congenital abnormalities present from birth. In women, pregnancy can sometimes cause temporary obstruction as the growing uterus puts pressure on the ureters.

Question 3

What is the best test for urinary tract obstruction?

Accepted Answer

The Urea Nitrogen (BUN) blood test is the most important test for urinary tract obstruction because it directly measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. When a blockage prevents urine from leaving your body, waste products like urea nitrogen build up in your bloodstream, causing BUN levels to rise significantly. This test provides immediate insight into whether the obstruction is affecting your kidney function, which is critical for preventing permanent kidney damage. Additional tests like the 24-Hour Urine Collection can assess kidney function over time by measuring creatinine levels and urine output, while a Random Urine Test can detect abnormal creatinine concentrations that suggest the location and severity of the blockage.

Question 4

When should I get tested for urinary tract obstruction?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience sudden or severe pain in your lower back or side (flank pain), have difficulty urinating or notice your urine stream has become weak or stops and starts, see blood in your urine, or develop frequent urinary tract infections. Get tested immediately if you cannot urinate at all, experience fever along with urinary symptoms, or notice swelling in your legs or face, as these may indicate your kidneys are failing to remove waste and excess fluid. Early testing is essential because untreated obstruction can lead to permanent kidney damage within hours to days.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of urinary tract obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of urinary tract obstruction vary depending on where the blockage occurs and how quickly it develops. You might experience sharp pain in your back, side, or lower abdomen that comes in waves, difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream, frequent urge to urinate but producing very little urine, and blood in your urine making it appear pink or red. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, fever and chills if infection develops, swelling in your legs or abdomen from fluid retention, and feeling constantly tired or confused as waste products accumulate in your bloodstream.

Question 6

Who is at risk for urinary tract obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Men over age 50 are at higher risk due to prostate enlargement, which is extremely common as men age and can gradually compress the urethra. People with a history of kidney stones face increased risk of recurrent stones causing blockages, while anyone with a personal or family history of urinary tract cancers should be vigilant. Those who have had previous abdominal or pelvic surgeries may develop scar tissue that can obstruct the urinary tract, and people with neurological conditions affecting bladder control, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, are also at elevated risk. Additionally, pregnant women may experience temporary obstruction from pressure on the ureters.

Question 7

What happens if urinary tract obstruction is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated urinary tract obstruction can lead to permanent kidney damage within days or even hours in severe cases, as the buildup of pressure causes kidney tissue to die. You may develop chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplant if both kidneys are affected long-term. Serious infections called urosepsis can occur when bacteria multiply in the blocked, stagnant urine and spread to your bloodstream, which can be life-threatening. The constant pressure can also cause your kidneys to become swollen and scarred (hydronephrosis), losing their ability to filter waste and regulate blood pressure, electrolytes, and red blood cell production.

Question 8

Can urinary tract obstruction be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly visualize or locate a urinary tract obstruction, but they are essential for diagnosing the condition by revealing how the blockage affects your kidney function. The BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test shows elevated waste product levels when your kidneys cannot filter properly due to obstruction, while a comprehensive metabolic panel checks creatinine levels and electrolyte imbalances caused by kidney dysfunction. While imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans are needed to confirm the exact location and cause of the obstruction, blood work provides critical information about the severity of kidney impairment and helps doctors determine how urgently intervention is needed.

Question 9

How is urinary tract obstruction treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for urinary tract obstruction depends on the cause, location, and severity of the blockage, with the primary goal of restoring urine flow quickly to protect kidney function. For kidney stones, doctors may use extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to break up stones with sound waves, or perform ureteroscopy to remove stones directly. An enlarged prostate can be treated with medications that relax the prostate and bladder neck muscles, or surgical procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for severe cases. Emergency catheterization or placement of a temporary stent may be necessary to immediately relieve the obstruction and drain urine while the underlying cause is addressed.

Question 10

How can I prevent urinary tract obstruction?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your risk of urinary tract obstruction by staying well-hydrated, drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep urine dilute and prevent kidney stone formation. Limit foods high in oxalates like spinach, chocolate, and nuts if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones, and reduce sodium intake which can increase calcium in your urine. Men over 50 should have regular prostate exams to catch enlargement early before it causes significant obstruction. Promptly treat urinary tract infections to prevent scar tissue formation, avoid holding urine for long periods, and maintain a healthy weight since obesity increases the risk of kidney stones and other urinary problems.

Question 11

What can I do at home for urinary tract obstruction?

Accepted Answer

While urinary tract obstruction requires medical treatment, you can support your recovery at home by drinking plenty of water to help flush out small stones and keep urine flowing, though you should follow your doctor's fluid recommendations if kidney function is severely impaired. Apply a heating pad to your back or abdomen to help ease pain from the obstruction or stone passage. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce discomfort, but avoid medications that might affect kidney function without consulting your doctor. Monitor your symptoms closely and seek immediate medical care if you develop fever, cannot urinate at all, experience severe pain, or notice increasing swelling, as these require urgent intervention to prevent permanent kidney damage.

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.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
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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.

Urinary Tract Blockage Blood Test

What is Urinary Tract Obstruction?

What causes urinary tract obstruction?

What is the best test for urinary tract obstruction?

When should I get tested for urinary tract obstruction?

References

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