Diagnosing Kidney Problems: Tests and Procedures
To diagnose various kidney problems, doctors usually take a detailed history, physical examination and recommend appropriate tests. Commonly performed and useful tests include urine tests, blood tests, radiological tests, and special procedures.
1. Urine Tests
Various urine tests important for diagnose of various kidney diseases provide information including :
Routine Urine tests: a simple, cost effective test that provides essential diagnostic signal.
Micro Albuminuria :- indicates small amount of protein in the urine, indicating the beginning of kidney damage in diabetes.
Other Urine Tests :- 24 hour urine protein test, culture( to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi ) and sensitivity tests and urine-test for acid-fast bacilli, which provide additional information for diagnosis
2. Blood Test
Various blood tests are necessary to diagnose various kidney disease, including ;
Creatinine and Urea: Shows the function of the kidneys, Increased level indicates the condition of the kidneys.
Hemoglobin : Low blood Pressure indicates Anemia, which is a common sign of chronic kidney disease.
Other Blood Tests : Blood Sugar, Serum Albumin, cholesterol, Electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, bicarbonate, ASO Titre and complement levels of among others.
3. Radiological Examination
Radiological tests provide important information about kidney structure and function including :
Kidney Ultrasound: A simple and safe test used to evaluate the height, shape of the kidneys, and the presence of abnormalities such as cysts, stones, and tumors.
Abdominal X Ray: Useful for diagnosing calcium-containing stones in the urinary tract.
Intravenous Urography: Special X rays test to view the entire urinary tract.
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG ): Helpful in evaluating urinary tract infections and identifying structural abnormalities.
4. Other Special Tests
Specific Procedures such as kidney Biopsy provide a definitive diagnosis for certain kidney conditions :
Kidney Biopsy: This involves removing a small piece of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope, which helps diagnose conditions conditions such as glomerulonephritis.