Kidney Failure Diagnosis
Several tests that your physician can use to detect kidney failure include;
Urinalysis
A urine sample may be taken by your doctor to test for any kidney abnormalities, including abnormally high sugar or protein that spills into the urine.
Some doctors may also perform a urinary sediment examination – a test that searches for high numbers of cellular casts, measures the amount of white and red blood cells, and looks for high bacteria levels.
Urine volume measurements
Kidney failure can be diagnosed with one of the simplest tests that measure the urine output. For example, the decreased urinary output may propose that kidney disorder is due to the blockage of urine, caused by multiple injuries or illnesses.
Blood samples
Your physician may order certain blood tests to measure objects that your kidney filters, such as creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). A rapid increase in their levels may lead to acute kidney failure.
Imaging tests
Tests like CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs provide images of the damaged kidneys and the urinary tract. This helps your physician to look for abnormalities and any blockage in the kidney.
Kidney tissue sample
Samples of kidney tissue are checked for scaring, abnormal deposits, or infectious organisms. Your physician will collect tissue samples by performing a kidney biopsy. A kidney biopsy is an easy procedure that’s generally done while you are conscious. The doctor gives a local anesthetic, so you don’t feel any pain.
After that, he will inject a biopsy needle into your skin and underneath your kidney to take the tissue sample. Ultrasound or X-ray machines will locate the position of the kidneys and assist your doctor in managing the needle.
These examinations are used to check whether your kidneys are functioning normally. Your doctor may perform other kidney function tests to determine the cause of symptoms.
