Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Tests & Screening Methods
Diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is done through a series of medical tests that check how well the kidneys are functioning. Common methods include blood tests to measure creatinine and eGFR, urine tests to detect protein or abnormalities, and imaging scans to view kidney structure. In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be recommended. These diagnostic steps help doctors confirm CKD, identify its stage, and plan the right treatment approach.
The doctors may also perform the following to identify kidney failure. Let’s check them:
A urinalysis is a test that examines your urine to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases, including UTI, diabetes, inflammation, blood in the urine at microscopic levels, and kidney disease.
A kidney ultrasound is a safe diagnostic procedure that does not require a needle, and the results are in the form of images that are used to determine the size, shape and position of the kidneys. It is done to check blockages in the urinary system, kidney stones, cysts, or any abnormal growth in the renal area.
In this scan, a combination of multiple X-ray images is taken from different angles. It provides a clear picture of the kidneys.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a form of imaging that offers detailed images of your kidneys in 3-D. It is mostly used to determine if you have a tumor in your kidney.
In this test, blood cultures are used to detect bacteria or fungi that may be circulating in the blood. Once the infection is confirmed, blood and urine cultures may reveal the specific bacteria causing it. Based on it, target antibiotic therapy will be accomplished.
In this procedure, the doctors will use a needle to take a small sample of your kidney tissue for biopsy (to allow them to analyze it). They may take the sample in two ways:
- Percutaneous (through the skin) biopsy,
- Open biopsy (during surgery)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed using blood tests (creatinine, eGFR), urine tests, imaging scans, and sometimes a kidney biopsy.
Q2: What blood tests are used for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease?
The main blood test is the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
Q3: Why are urine tests important in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease?
Urine tests help detect protein, blood, or other abnormalities that indicate kidney damage, making them essential for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
Q4: Can imaging be used for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease?
Yes. Ultrasound or CT scans are often used to check kidney size, structure, and to detect blockages or abnormalities related to CKD.
Q5: When is a kidney biopsy required for diagnosis of chronic kidney disease?
A kidney biopsy is recommended if the cause of CKD is unclear, helping doctors study kidney tissue directly for an accurate diagnosis.
