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Diagnosis of Kidney Failure


If you are experiencing signs and symptoms indicative of kidney failure, your doctor may advise you to undergo certain tests and procedures. The diagnosis of Kidney Failure is usually done on the basis of the following tests:

  • Urine Tests: An analysis of the urine sample helps to detect any abnormalities which may point to kidney failure.
  • Urine Output Measurements: The level of urine output in a day is measured so that the cause of kidney failure can be determined.
  • Blood Tests: An analysis of a blood sample helps to determine the increasing amounts of urea and creatinine in the blood. The measurement of these two substances is indicative of kidney function.
  • Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds and computerized tomography scans enable the doctor to examine the kidneys and check for abnormalities.
  • Kidney Biopsy: In some cases along with other tests for Kidney Failure, the doctor may also recommend a kidney biopsy in which a sample of the kidney tissue is obtained and analyzed in a laboratory.

Signs & Symptoms
Prognosis
References
  1. Thomas V. Perneger, Frederick L. Brancati, Paul K. Whelton, Michael J. Klag, Studying the causes of kidney disease in humans: A review of methodologic obstacles and possible solutions, American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Volume 25, Issue 5, May 1995, Pages 722-731, ISSN 0272-6386, 10.1016/0272-6386(95)90548-0.
  2. Paul Stevens, Assessment of patients presenting with acute renal failure (acute kidney injury), Medicine, Volume 35, Issue 8, August 2007, Pages 429-433, ISSN 1357-3039, 10.1016/j.mpmed.2007.05.013.
  3. K.J. Kelly, Acute Renal Failure: Much More Than a Kidney Disease, Seminars in Nephrology, Volume 26, Issue 2, March 2006, Pages 105-113, ISSN 0270-9295, 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2005.09.003.