Healthy kidneys can get rid of the waste products that result from the body’s
metabolism. In Renal Failure, the kidney function fails, so the waste products
accumulate in the blood and the body. How is Renal Failure diagnosed? The
following is detailed explanation.
◆ Blood tests
Blood tests are used to measure the buildup of waste products in the blood.
Routine blood tests include BUN, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate
(GFR). BUN and creatinine become elevated, and the GFR decreases. This is the
rate with which blood is filtered through the kidneys and can be calculated
based upon the creatinine level, age, race, and gender.
◆ Urine tests
Urine tests may be done to measure the amount of protein, detect the presence
of abnormal cells, or measure the concentration of electrolytes. Protein in the
urine is not normal and can be a clue that damage to the kidneys has occurred.
Abnormal aggregations of red and white blood cells called casts can be seen in
the urine with kidney disease. Comparing the concentrations of electrolytes in
the blood and urine can help decide whether the kidneys are able to
appropriately monitor and filter blood.
◆ Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound can assess the size of the kidneys and may identify
whether any obstruction exists.
◆ Kidney biopsy
Biopsy of the kidney uses a thin needle that is placed through the skin into
the kidney itself to get bits of tissue to examine under the microscope.
Once diagnosed with Renal Failure, effective treatment should be adopted as
early as possible to prevent further deterioration of kidney function.
Immunotherapy is the best treatment for Renal Failure and other immune-mediated
kidney disease. If you are interested in it, please consult our online service
or e-mail to kidney-treatment@hotmail.com.