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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffIn addition to taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam, your doctor will recommend certain diagnostic tests, including:
- Urinalysis. A thorough urine analysis is the most important first step. Urine tests are used to look for the presence of red blood cells, high levels of protein — which may indicate a kidney problem — and excreted minerals that can cause kidney stones. A sample of your urine is also likely to be checked for bacteria that cause infection.
- Blood tests. These may be used to measure levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) — waste products that build up in your bloodstream when your kidneys are damaged and not filtering properly. Blood tests may also look for elevated levels of liver enzymes, and for conditions such as diabetes.
- Other tests. You may have other tests, depending on the results of your history, physical exam and urine analysis. The most common reason for further testing is the presence of red blood cells in the urine.
References
- Foot CL, et al. Uroscopic rainbow: Modern matula medicine. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2006;82:126.
- Liao JC, et al. Pediatric urine testing. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2001;48:1425.
- Gerber GS, et al. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and urinalysis. Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151836479-3/0/1445/6.html?tocnode=54299533&fromURL=6.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50005-4_96. Accessed July 28, 2009.
- Post TW, et al. Urinalysis in the diagnosis of renal disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 11, 2009.
- Rose BD, et al. Evaluation of hematuria in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Yun EJ, et al. Evaluation of the patient with hematuria. The Medical Clinics of North America. 2004;88:329.
- Mercieri A. Exercise-induced hematuria. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Terris MK. The significance of abnormal urine color. Stanford School of Medicine. http://urology.stanford.edu/about/articles/abnormal_urine.html. Accessed Aug. 11, 2009.
