In nephrology, diagnostic tests play a crucial part in evaluating kidney health. This helps detect the early signs of diseases by monitoring the ongoing treatment efficiency. Such common nephrology tests help nephrologists make informed decisions, ensuring all patients receive the best care. Here are the tests commonly used in nephrology to assess kidney function and health.
Kidney Function Tests
The kidney function tests evaluate how well your kidneys are working. The tests are critical in helping nephrologists assess how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. Kidney function tests may require taking a sample of your blood, urine, or both. The Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine levels are the two critical indicators of kidney function.
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Glomerular filtration rate (GFR):
It is a test that measures how well the kidneys are filtering the waste products from the blood. It specifically assesses how much blood has passed through the glomeruli each minute. A GFR rate of 60 or higher is the normal range. A low GFR rate indicates that the kidneys are not functioning correctly, requiring immediate action. -
Serum Creatinine:
Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles. Elevated creatinine levels in the blood can indicate impaired kidney function. If the blood tests suggest that your serum creatinine levels are high, then this indicates that your kidneys are not functioning correctly.
Blood Tests for Kidney Health
Apart from the tests mentioned above, like GFR and creatinine, the other blood tests conducted in the field of nephrology are:
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Electrolyte tests:
These tests also evaluate your kidney function, helping in the detection of any potential problems. The tests help monitor electrolyte levels and check the body's pH balance. -
Blood Urea nitrogen (BUN):
A BUN, or blood urea nitrogen test, can provide crucial information about the functioning of the kidneys and the liver.
Urine Tests in Nephrology
Urine tests are a crucial component of nephrology that provides valuable information about the health of the kidney. The doctor prescribes urine tests to check for any potential changes, like detecting the presence of substances like protein or blood. Standard urine tests in nephrology include:
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Urinalysis:
Urinalysis tests are done to detect the presence of urinary tract infections, diabetes, and to ascertain the presence of any potential kidney problems. -
24-hour urine collection:
A 24-hour urine collection is a simple lab test that helps detect and diagnose potential kidney problems.
Imaging Tests for Kidney Health
Imaging can provide visual data about the kidneys' size, shape and structure. More often than not, you shall exhibit fewer symptoms during the early stages of kidney damage. In such cases, an imaging test can provide vital information about your kidney health. Standard imaging tests used in nephrology include:
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Ultrasounds:
An ultrasound test uses sound waves to generate images of the kidneys. It helps a nephrologist get a better understanding of its appearance and size. This is useful in detecting kidney stones, tumours, cysts and other abnormalities like swelling. -
Computed tomography (CT scan):
A CT scan uses X-rays to generate detailed images of the kidneys and the surrounding areas. It is used to diagnose kidney cancer and detect lesions, kidney stones, and accumulation around the kidney. -
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
MRI scan provides much greater precision to detect complex conditions such as tumours or kidney damage.
Biopsy in Nephrology
How a kidney Biopsy is performed
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Why a kidney biopsy is performed
During the process of kidney biopsy, local anaesthesia is applied to numb the area as a thin needle is carefully inserted through the skin into the kidney. This process extracts a small tissue sample from the kidney and is generally guided by ultrasound or CT imaging.
A kidney biopsy is performed as it helps diagnose kidney diseases, assess the severity of damage, and even monitor the ongoing treatment effectiveness. It is crucial for identifying the cause of abnormal kidney function, such as inflammation, infection, or scarring, and guides doctors in developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Additional Diagnostic Procedures
Other diagnostic procedures that may be used in nephrology include:
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Renal scans:
These are specialised tests that evaluate kidney function. A band is tied to your upper arms as a radioisotope is inserted into your veins. After this, as the band is removed, the material starts flowing through your bloodstream, specialised gamma ray cameras are used to track the movement of the substance and generate images of your kidneys. -
Dialysis access tests:
In extreme cases of kidney failure, tests are performed to evaluate the suitability of the blood vessels for creating a dialysis access.
Conclusion: Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to preventing further complications and damage. If you have a family history of kidney problems, it is essential to go for regular testing, as it shall help detect any potential issues before they become severe. Consult with the top nephrologist in your city who can provide targeted treatment plans, to help preserve kidney function and sustain its overall health.
