How to Test for Renal Failure

Renal failure is the inability of the kidneys to cleanse the blood normally. Kidney failure can be slow and progressive, called chronic, or it can be sudden, called acute. People who are in renal failure may feel very tired, find blood in their urine or stool and may lose their appetite. Studying the blood, urine and kidney tissue of someone who is suspected to have renal failure can confirm a diagnosis of kidney disease.

Things You'll Need

• Urinalysis
• Blood tests
• MRI
• Biopsy

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your primary care physician if you experience symptoms consistent with renal failure. Swelling of the extremities, a decrease in urine output, muscle pain and a darkening of the skin pigment are all symptoms that may indicate kidney disease. Your doctor will perform an exam and take your blood pressure. High blood pressure is another sign of kidney disease.

• 2

  Give a urine sample so your medical care providers can test it for kidney disease. The presence of a protein called albumin in the urine may indicate renal failure.

• 3

  Have your blood tested for creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Creatinine is a by-product of the breakdown of muscle, and BUN is the by-product of protein when it is broken down. Both of these substances will be higher-than-normal in a person who is experiencing renal failure.

• 4

  Use imaging equipment to test for renal failure. Technicians can use diagnostic tools such as an MRI, ultrasound or CT scans to see what the kidneys look like. Abnormalities such as tumors or blockages to and from the kidneys show up on imaging tests and can lead to appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

• 5

  Undergo a biopsy of your kidney tissue. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) explains that a small sample of tissue can provide answers as to what is causing renal failure and how to treat the condition.