Glomerulonephritis

Diagnosis

The disease can be diagnosed through urinalysis to detects blood, protein or signs of infection. If glomerulonephritis is suspected blood tests, imaging tests which include ultrasound examination or a computerized tomography (CT) scan and kidney biopsy is performed.

BUN test - This test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. A BUN test is done to estimate the functioning of kidney. The BUN level increases, if the kidneys are not able to remove urea from the blood. Heart failure, dehydration, certain medicines, intestinal bleeding can also increase the BUN level. Liver disease or damage can decrease the BUN level

Serum creatinine - This test measure the level of the waste product creatinine in the blood and urine. If the kidneys are damaged and cannot function normally, the amount of creatinine in the urine decreases while the amount of creatinine in the blood increases.

Ultrasound -  Ultrasound is a noninvasive type test used in the diagnosis of kidney disease. It is also used to diagnose presence of urinary obstruction, kidney stones and also to assess the blood flow into the kidneys.

Kidney biopsy - A kidney biopsy is almost always necessary to confirm a diagnosis of glomerulonephritis. A sample of the kidney tissue is collected by introducing a special needle through the skin into the kidney. The sample is observed under a microscope for the cause of the inflammation.