Question 1

What is Acute Kidney Failure?

Accepted Answer

Acute kidney failure, also known as acute kidney injury (AKI), is a sudden loss of kidney function that occurs within hours or days. It is caused by severe dehydration, traumatic injury, toxic medications, infections, or blockages that prevent the kidneys from filtering waste products from the blood. The Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects rapid accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream.

Question 2

What causes acute kidney failure?

Accepted Answer

Acute kidney failure is caused by conditions that suddenly damage the kidneys or reduce blood flow to them, preventing proper waste filtration. Common causes include severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, traumatic injuries with significant blood loss, sepsis and serious infections, toxic medications like NSAIDs or certain antibiotics, and urinary tract blockages from kidney stones or enlarged prostate. Other triggers include heart failure, liver failure, severe burns, and allergic reactions that cause blood pressure to drop suddenly. The kidneys lose their ability to remove waste products and balance electrolytes within hours or days, making this a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Question 3

What is the best test for acute kidney failure?

Accepted Answer

The Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test is the most important test for acute kidney failure because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen waste product in your blood that healthy kidneys normally filter out. When your kidneys suddenly stop working properly, BUN levels rise rapidly, providing clear evidence of kidney dysfunction. The creatinine blood test is equally essential and is often ordered alongside BUN, as creatinine is another waste product that accumulates when kidney filtration fails. Together, these tests create a BUN-to-creatinine ratio that helps doctors determine the severity and type of kidney failure. Additional tests may include electrolyte panels to check potassium and sodium levels, and urinalysis to examine protein and blood in the urine.

Question 4

When should I get tested for acute kidney failure?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you suddenly produce very little urine or stop urinating altogether, experience severe swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, feel extremely fatigued or confused, have persistent nausea and vomiting, or notice shortness of breath. Get immediate testing if you have chest pain or pressure, as fluid can build up around the heart. Anyone hospitalized for serious injury, major surgery, sepsis, or severe dehydration should be monitored with regular kidney function tests. If you take medications known to affect the kidneys, such as NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or blood pressure medications, and develop any of these symptoms, testing is critical for early detection.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of acute kidney failure?

Accepted Answer

Acute kidney failure symptoms develop rapidly and include producing very little urine or no urine at all, which is often the first noticeable sign. You might experience severe swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or face as fluid accumulates in your body. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue and weakness, confusion or difficulty concentrating, persistent nausea and vomiting, chest pain or pressure from fluid around the heart, shortness of breath from fluid in the lungs, and irregular heartbeat. Some people develop seizures in severe cases due to electrolyte imbalances. Unlike chronic kidney disease which develops slowly, these symptoms appear suddenly over hours or days, signaling a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Question 6

Who is at risk for acute kidney failure?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those hospitalized in intensive care units, especially after major surgery or serious illness. Individuals with existing chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure have increased vulnerability. Older adults over 65 are at greater risk due to age-related kidney function decline. Those taking medications that affect the kidneys, including NSAIDs like ibuprofen, certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs, face elevated risk. People with heart disease, liver disease, or peripheral artery disease are more susceptible. Anyone experiencing severe dehydration from illness, heat exposure, or inadequate fluid intake is at risk, as are trauma victims with significant blood loss or severe infections leading to sepsis.

Question 7

What happens if acute kidney failure is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated acute kidney failure can be life-threatening as waste products and excess fluid accumulate rapidly in your body. Potassium levels can rise dangerously high, causing irregular heartbeat, heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest. Fluid buildup in the lungs leads to severe breathing difficulty and respiratory failure. Acid accumulates in the blood, creating metabolic acidosis that affects your entire body. You may develop uremia, where toxic waste products cause confusion, seizures, coma, and death. Permanent kidney damage can occur if treatment is delayed, potentially requiring lifelong dialysis or kidney transplant. However, with prompt medical intervention, acute kidney failure is often reversible, and many people recover full or partial kidney function within weeks to months.

Question 8

Can acute kidney failure be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, acute kidney failure is primarily diagnosed with blood tests that measure waste products your kidneys should be filtering out. The BUN test and creatinine test are the two main blood tests used, showing rapid elevation when kidneys suddenly stop working properly. A comprehensive metabolic panel checks electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which become dangerously imbalanced during kidney failure. Blood tests can also measure your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which indicates how well your kidneys are filtering blood. Additional tests include complete blood count to check for anemia and blood pH to detect acid buildup. While urine tests provide supporting information, blood tests give the fastest and most reliable diagnosis of acute kidney failure.

Question 9

How is acute kidney failure treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and supporting kidney function while they recover. If medications caused the problem, they are immediately stopped and replaced with safer alternatives. Severe dehydration is treated with intravenous fluids, while fluid overload requires diuretics to remove excess water. Infections are treated with appropriate antibiotics, and blockages may require catheterization or surgery. Dialysis is used when kidney function is severely compromised, filtering waste products and excess fluid from your blood until your kidneys recover. Electrolyte imbalances are corrected through IV medications and dietary changes. Most people require hospitalization for close monitoring of kidney function, fluid balance, and electrolyte levels. With proper treatment, many patients recover kidney function within days to weeks.

Question 10

How can I prevent acute kidney failure?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on protecting your kidneys from sudden injury or stress. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during illness, exercise, or hot weather. Use over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and naproxen cautiously and only as directed, as they can harm kidneys when overused. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure carefully, as these weaken kidneys over time. Follow medication instructions precisely, especially for antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, and any medications that affect kidney function. Seek prompt treatment for infections before they become severe or spread to the kidneys. If you have kidney disease risk factors, work with your doctor for regular monitoring. During hospitalization or surgery, ensure your medical team monitors your kidney function closely, especially if you receive contrast dye for imaging tests.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support kidney recovery from acute kidney failure?

Accepted Answer

While acute kidney failure requires medical treatment, you can support recovery at home after initial stabilization by following your doctor's fluid intake recommendations carefully, as you may need to limit or increase fluids depending on your situation. Eat a kidney-friendly diet low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, avoiding processed foods, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and dairy products until your doctor clears you. Rest adequately to allow your body to heal, avoiding strenuous physical activity until cleared by your healthcare provider. Monitor your urine output daily and report any sudden changes to your doctor. Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed and attend all follow-up appointments for blood tests to track kidney function recovery. Avoid alcohol and quit smoking, as both stress recovering kidneys. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar well-controlled if you have hypertension or diabetes.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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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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                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.
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            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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            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.
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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.

Acute Kidney Failure Blood Test

What is Acute Kidney Failure?

What causes acute kidney failure?

What is the best test for acute kidney failure?

When should I get tested for acute kidney failure?

References

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