Test for Kidney Diseases

Diabetes

Diabetes is also a major cause of chronic kidney disease. The increased level of sugar in the blood damages the blood vessels in the kidneys over time.

Hypertension

High blood pressure is dangerous for the kidneys because it can increase the pressure on the glomeruli. Glomeruli are the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys where blood is cleaned. Over time, the increased pressure damages these vessels and kidney functions begin to decline.

Age

Kidney Diseases are more common among people over 60. Senior persons should regularly monitor their kidney health.

Family history

A family history of kidney diseases is associated with an increased risk of developing similar conditions.

Atherosclerosis

Reduced blood flow to the kidney can cause scarring of the kidney. People with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels are at higher risk

Smoking

Smoking is harmful for the kidneys and can cause kidney disease to progress.

Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of developing major risk factors for chronic kidney disease, like diabetes and hypertension.

Chronic Kidney Disease

• Chronic kidney disease is a condition characterised by a gradual loss of kidney function over time and is mainly caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders.

• High blood pressure is dangerous for the kidneys because it can increase the pressure on the glomeruli. Glomeruli are the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys where blood is cleaned.

• Over time, the increased pressure damages these vessels and kidney functions begin to decline.

• Diabetes is also a major cause of chronic kidney disease. The increased level of sugar in the blood damages the blood vessels in the kidneys over time.

• Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones occur when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallise in the kidneys, forming solid masses (stones). Kidney stones usually come out of the body during urination.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli. Glomeruli are extremely small structures inside the kidneys that filter the blood. Glomerulonephritis can be caused by infections, drugs, or congenital abnormalities.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts (small sacs of fluid) to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can interfere with kidney function and cause kidney failure.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of any part of the urinary system. Infections in the bladder and urethra are the most common. If left untreated, these infections can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney failure.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are extremely small structures inside the kidneys that filter the blood.

Urine Examination

A urinalysis is a group of physical, chemical, and microscopic tests. The tests detect and measure several substances in the urine including glucose, protein, bilirubin, red blood cells, white blood cells, crystals, and bacteria.

Protein Creatinine Ratio, Urine

A urine protein test is often used to screen for, help evaluate, and monitor kidney function and to help detect and diagnose early kidney disease. Urine Protein-Creatinine ratio is a simple & convenient method to quantitate & monitor proteinuria in adults with chronic kidney disease.

Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio

This test is useful in the management of patients with early Diabetes mellitus to assist in avoiding or delaying the onset of renal disease.

Kidney Panel, KFT

A kidney panel is a group of tests that may be performed together to evaluate kidney function. The tests measure levels of various substances, including -

• Electrolytes, electrically charged chemicals that are vital to normal body processes. Electrolytes include:
  • Sodium,
  • Potassium,
  • Chloride,
• Minerals, electrically charged chemicals that are vital to normal body processes. Electroly
  • Phosphorus, vital for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth
  • Calcium, essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart and is required in blood clotting and the formation of bones.
• Albumin, a protein essential to keeping fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and transporting hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body.
• Waste products,
  • Urea, a nitrogen-containing waste product that forms from the metabolism of protein
  • Creatinine, produced by the body's muscles. Almost all creatinine is eliminated by the kidneys.
  • Uric, Acid, the end product of protein metabolism.
• Glucose, Supplies energy for the body
• A:G Ratio, the calculated ratio of albumin to globulins. It may provide a clue as to the cause of change in protein levels.

Creatinine Clearance Test

Creatinine clearance reflects the glomerular filtration rate, the ability of kidneys to filter waste products. A moderate decrease in renal function is detected by creatinine clearance. It also monitors the progression of renal disease.

Uric Acid

Uric acid is the end product of protein metabolism. The uric acid blood test is used to diagnose the cause of recurrent kidney stones and to monitor people with gout for stone formation.

Beta-2 Microglobulin

Beta-2 microglobulin is a protein that is found on the surface of nucleated cells and functions as part of the human immune system. The beta-2 microglobulin test may be used when known physical or suspected kidney damage occurs to distinguish between glomerular and tubular disorders of the kidney.

Vitamin D 1, 25-Dihydroxy

Vitamin D is a family of compounds that is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones. This test measures the level of vitamin D in the blood. A low level of 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D can be seen in kidney disease and is one of the earliest changes to occur in persons with early kidney failure.

Kidney Scans

Kidney scans may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, or an ultrasound scan. The aim is to determine whether there are any blockages in the urine flow. These scans can also reveal the size and shape of the kidneys.

Kidney Biopsy

A small sample of kidney tissue is extracted and examined for cell damage. An analysis of kidney tissue makes it easier to make a precise diagnosis of kidney disease.