Glomerular Disease Center - Testing
As symptoms can develop very gradually, the disorder may only be discovered by an abnormal urinalysis (with blood and/or urine) during a routine physical or examination for unrelated disorders.
Glomerulonephritis can cause high blood pressure. Patients with high blood pressure should have their urine checked and their creatinine measured in the blood to assess kidney function. It may be discovered as a cause of high blood pressure that is difficult to control.
Laboratory tests may also reveal anemia or show signs of reduced kidney functioning. A kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Later, signs of chronic kidney failure may be seen, including swelling (edema), polyneuropathy, and signs of fluid overload, such as abnormal heart and lung sounds.
Imaging tests that may be done include:
Abdominal CT scan
Abdominal ultrasound
Chest x-ray
IVP
Urinalysis and other urine tests include:
Examination of the urine under a microscope
Creatinine clearance
Total protein
Uric acid, urine
Urine concentration test
Urine creatinine
Urine protein
Urine RBC
Urine specific gravity
This disease may also affect the results of the following blood tests:
Albumin
Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody test
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs)
BUN and creatinine
Complement component 3
Complement levels