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