Making the Diagnosis
Your medical history is important in determining your risk factors for developing kidney failure. After taking a thorough history, your doctor will check any or all of the following:
- blood pressure (many people with chronic renal failure have high blood pressure)
- urine tests to detect proteinuria (or excess protein in the urine)
- blood tests
- X-rays of the kidneys
- abdominal CT or CAT (computed tomography) scan
- abdominal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- abdominal ultrasound
- renal scan
The X-rays, scans, and ultrasounds check for abnormalities in the kidneys, such as small size, tumors, or blockages. These various tests will allow the doctor to recognize if any abnormal kidney function is present and to diagnose CKD.