Diagnosing Kidney Disease

Testing your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best way to measure your kidney function level and determine the stage of your kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

For the GFR, you will submit a blood sample to be analyzed for creatinine, a waste product your muscles generate. Your doctor will evaluate these results, along with your age, race, gender and other factors to calculate your GFR. A GFR of at least 90 indicates normal kidney function or minimal kidney damage. A score as high as 15 indicates kidney failure.

If your GFR indicates kidney disease, your doctor probably will order more tests, including:

• An ultrasound or CT scan to determine kidney size and look for a tumor, kidney stone or other problems

• A biopsy to assess kidney damage

Your doctor will explain your test results and develop your treatment plan to prevent or slow further damage to the kidneys. Treatment may include:

• Controlling diabetes or high blood pressure

• Taking medicines such as an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) to reduce urine protein levels

• Following a healthy diet with prescribed sodium, fluid and protein levels

• Keeping regular follow-up appointments. Your doctor will regularly order blood and urine tests to check your kidney function and adjust you diet or medicines

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Disease progression will require dialysis to filter your blood and possibly a kidney transplant. Dialysis involves a machine that filters blood to remove wastes and excess fluid and restore chemical balance – the work healthy kidneys perform. You may require dialysis for many years or as a bridge to a kidney transplant. A healthy kidney from a donor would replace your failing kidneys.