How are kidneys tested? Research methods that check if the kidneys are healthy. How to check kidney function at home What tests need to be done for kidney disease

Date: 21.10.2019

If you feel sharp pain v lumbar which is more troublesome at night, you should pay attention to the health of your kidneys. We urgently need to see a doctor and undergo an examination. But pain is not always the only symptom, often they can occur with secondary exacerbations during inflammation.

Symptoms of the disease

If you are concerned about the following 17 symptoms:

Frequent urination, especially at night, more than 2 times per night.
You get pain when you urinate
Blood in urine
Different color of urine
Flaky impurities present
Bad urine smell
Blood pressure at around 140/90
Dehydration of the body
The kidney is palpable (normally should not be at all)
Swelling, puffiness appeared
General weakness and malaise
The temperature rose to 37.5 degrees
An insatiable desire to drink
Decreased amount of urine
Decreased appetite
Reduced weight
Anemia, without prior blood loss

Eat salty, spicy, meat products etc. (be sure to control the amount of protein consumed, per day it should not exceed 0.7 grams per 1 kg of human weight)
If you are using alcoholic drinks, narcotic substances
If you have diabetes or lupus
When taking drugs that inhibit kidney function (such as - Acyclovir, Biseptol, Aspirin-diuretics)

If any of the above symptoms bothers you, you need to urgently consult a doctor who will prescribe a competent examination for you.

Diagnostics

Tests for kidney disease:

UAC ( general analysis blood) - will show if there is inflammation (the material is taken from a finger in the morning, always on an empty stomach)
Biochemical analysis - the material is taken from a vein, on an empty stomach. This kind analysis determines the amount of creatinine - a product that is excreted by a healthy organ from the body, and its excess from the norm will indicate a particular problem.
The examination should also include urine.

There are several types of urinalysis:

General - it should be noted that it must be passed to absolutely any person, even if the kidney disease did not bother you and does not bother you, twice a year. Doctors say that many diseases can be prevented by initial stage, and when there are obvious signs, then these are already secondary symptoms of ongoing diseases.
Test according to Zemnitsky - all the urine excreted during the day is collected. This is done as follows: the day is divided into 8 parts for 3 hours. A clean dish is taken, the portion allocated in 3 hours is collected in it. You should get 8 vessels. This method will show a change in the quantitative composition.
according to Nechiporenko - the result of the analysis will show inflammatory processes.
Rehberg's test - with the help of it, the amount of creatinine in the urine is determined.
Bens-Jones protein - helps to detect malignant neoplasms.

Urine collection rules

On the eve, do not take alcoholic beverages, spicy, salty, foods with food colors.

The material is taken in the morning, immediately after waking up, the last urination should be no later than 5-6 hours before.

Wash and dry the external genitalia before collecting

Use a clean container (now you can easily buy them at the pharmacy)

Start urination, do not immediately substitute the container, skip the first part, i.e. collect the middle portion (does not apply to the Zemnitsky sample)

Close container tightly.

It should be taken to the laboratory within 2-3 hours

The safest is ultrasound (ultrasound), it can be performed as often as necessary. It is indicated even for infants. On the contrary, such a method as: CT, MRI is contraindicated for psycho-unstable patients and children. With care - pregnant and lactating. Methods that are carried out with the help of radiation (such as x-rays) are contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, cancer patients.

Let's consider each method separately:

Ultrasound - gives an overall picture: appearance, dimensions, is used when making a diagnosis at the initial stage.
Urography and scintigraphy - methods with the introduction of a contrast agent, used to assess circulatory system kidneys and genitourinary system.
Radiography - is used to obtain an objective visual picture. apply occasionally a year. So it uses a dose of radiation.
Computed tomography - allows you to make the most precise examination, it is used only for its intended purpose.

Sometimes, after all the examinations have been carried out, there is a need to do a biopsy. In the event that there is a suspicion of the presence of formations on the kidneys.

A small part of the fabric is pinched off with a special tool. The painful method is used under anesthesia.

How to diagnose at home?

It is not possible to fully diagnose the kidneys at home, but there are still ways that will reveal the essence of the problem:

Sharp spasmodic pains indicate a rapidly developing inflammatory process
The pain is constant, pulling, indicates the presence of chronic diseases.
You can make a visual assessment. It is necessary to collect the urine in a jar and assess whether it contains flakes, blood, curdled sediment, whether the color has changed. If these signs are present, then an urgent need to visit a doctor.
You can collect all the daily discharge and estimate their amount. If there are less than 1.8 liters, or more (2.5 liters), this also indicates deviations.
It is worth paying attention to the puffiness around the eyes and legs.
Multiple or vice versa not frequent urge the toilet should also be alerted - 4-6 times a day is considered the norm.
You should also be alerted if you have an insatiable feeling of polydipsia (thirsty), decreased appetite, impotence, unnatural pallor of the skin.

The most common kidney diseases and their symptoms.

Urolithiasis - mainly occurs due to the use of spicy, salty, acidic protein foods. If you live in areas with hot climates. Stones can result from other diseases of the genitourinary system, and from trauma and bone disease. When stones move along the ureter, the mucous layer is damaged, blood may appear in the urine.
Pyelonephritis is an inflammatory kidney disease. May be asymptomatic. Acute pyelonephritis accompanied by high temperature, lethargy, painful sensations in the lumbar region.
Glomerulonephritis - characterized by damage to the glomeruli of the kidneys. Replacing them connective tissue... It often occurs in a latent state, diagnosed by identifying changes in the analysis of urine.
Nephroptosis is prolapse or twisting. Most common in women. The cause of the pathology, insufficient amount of internal fat. May develop due to rapid weight loss, excessive physical activity, long vertical position... The symptom is an increase in blood pressure.
Renal failure - occurs as a result of poisoning, postponed kidney disease, can develop against the background of hypertension, diabetes, tobacco smoking. It causes disturbances in the water-salt balance. If the disease is diagnosed on time, it can be completely cured.

World Kidney Day is taking place today in 154 countries around the world. Especially kidney diseases are worried in our country, where doctors and patients still know very little about them. We have found answers to 5 pressing questions about kidney health and invite everyone to evaluate: what is the risk of the disease for you and your loved ones.

What do the kidneys do, how do they work?

The kidneys are a paired organ, the main filter of our body. The entire volume of a person's blood passes through his kidneys in 5 minutes. During the day, the kidneys pass through themselves and cleanse 200 liters of blood from the waste products of the body, removing excess water from the human body and harmful substances... When it enters the kidneys, blood passes through 2 million nephrons (filters) and 160 km of blood vessels.

The kidneys maintain the constancy of the internal environment of the body, carry out regulation water-salt metabolism, blood pressure, phosphorus-calcium metabolism, erythrocyte formation, excretory, endocrine and other functions. Each human kidney weighs 120-200 g, its length is 10-12 cm, width is 6 cm and thickness is 3 cm. In terms of its size, the kidney resembles a computer mouse. The kidneys can handle cleaning the blood until they have lost 80-85% of their function.

Who Treats Kidney Disease? How common are they?

Kidney diseases are managed by nephrologists. However, only patients with classical nephrological diagnoses - nephritis and pyelonephritis (inflammatory kidney diseases), urolithiasis - get to these narrow specialists (there are less than 2,000 of them in Russia). At the same time, the most dangerous condition today is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which consists in irreversible impairment of kidney function. In advanced stages of CKD, life is practically impossible without renal replacement therapy (dialysis or kidney transplantation).

Chronic kidney disease of varying severity affects one in ten adults in the world. The World Health Organization is preparing to include CKD in the list of "killer diseases" of humanity - after cancer, sugar, cardiovascular diseases and bad habits. In Russia, the number of CKD sufferers is estimated at about 15 million. The problem is that in our country there is still no separate statistics on this disease, because it often occurs as a secondary one - with diabetes mellitus and diseases of the heart and blood vessels (hypertension and atherosclerosis).

Who is at risk of "earning" chronic kidney disease?

It is generally accepted that CKD is a disease of the elderly that develops after the age of 50, when the body gradually wears out. However, in Russia the main group of patients is people from 30 to 40 years old. Experts name the following risk factors:

alcohol abuse, smoking;
uncontrolled use of drugs, especially pain relievers, as well as various food additives;
food with an excess of animal proteins and fats, salt - especially fast food, street food and convenience foods, as well as various carbonated drinks;
overweight, metabolic disorders, diabetes.

You don't need to be a specialist to understand: the kidneys are a complex filter that has been formed over the course of evolution. Until a century ago, the toxins that the kidneys had to deal with were the result of human consumption predominantly plant food... Medicines were still rare in those days.

Yes, often strong drinking person could be enough, as they said then, an apoplectic stroke - a stroke. It is possible that such an outcome was caused by a violation of the filtering function of the kidneys, due to which salts were deposited on the walls of the vessels and their lumen was critically narrowed. Today, this mechanism is well understood: it is known that impaired renal function increases the risk of stroke and heart attack by 25-30 times.

Kidney modern man cannot resist all the burdens that civilization brings with it. It remains only to think about your diet and lifestyle in general - does it lead to a direct path to disability. Experts believe that the first measures to prevent CKD are giving up bad habits, reducing the calorie content of food, reducing excess weight, if any, and regular blood and urine tests.

How can chronic kidney disease be diagnosed?

At the initial stage, kidney damage is asymptomatic. However, abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys are well detected with the help of simple tests and studies. This:

general ;
biochemical blood test with determination of the level of creatinine (this is the name of one of the end products of protein metabolism in the body to be excreted through the kidneys - by its level, the excretory function of the kidneys is judged);
Ultrasound of the kidneys;
test for microalbuminuria (protein in the urine). Normally, the protein remains in the body and does not pass into the urine. The presence of protein (albumin) in the urine may indicate impaired renal function. Suffering from diabetes, hypertension, this analysis should be done at least once a year for timely diagnosis. chronic illness kidney at an early stage.

At the time of the initial visit to a nephrologist, more than half of patients already have advanced stages of CKD, when treatment is impossible and only dialysis or transplantation remains. However, these people, as a rule, already suffering from diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases, could be helped by their attending physician - endocrinologist, cardiologist or therapist, if he had timely prescribed blood and urine tests, correctly interpreted their results and recommended supportive treatment. At this stage of the disease in the world today, nephroprotection methods are successfully used - a complex of therapeutic and preventive measures which allow to "slow down" the development of CKD.

Unfortunately, 60-70% of patients with CKD in Russia learn about their diagnosis in intensive care, where they go with acute renal failure, hypertensive crisis, heart attack, or. At this point, as a rule, there is only one way out - renal replacement therapy.

Simple tests delivered on time are not only saving and prolonging the life of many people, but also a huge economic benefit. A biochemical blood test costs a polyclinic only 100 rubles, and a hemodialysis session costs from 6,000 to 10,000 rubles. The cost of 156 sessions per year (3 times a week for 4 hours) is more than 750,000 rubles. per patient, taking into account drug supply- up to 1.5 million rubles. in year.

What is renal replacement therapy?

These are therapies that replace kidney function: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. With hemodialysis (this is the most common procedure for those receiving substitution renal therapy in Russia), blood is purified through an artificial membrane using the "artificial kidney" apparatus. The procedure is carried out only in medical institution under the supervision of doctors, its regularity and duration is very important. Peritoneal dialysis involves the purification of the blood by changing special solutions in abdominal cavity the patient and can be carried out independently at home.

Unfortunately, today, due to the lack of dialysis sites in our country, hemodialysis is available to only half of the patients who need it. In the European Union, the dialysis rate is 600 people per 1 million of the population, in the USA - 1400 people per 1 million of the population, and in Russia - 140 people (in Moscow and St. Petersburg - about 200) per 1 million of the population.

At the same time, dialysis centers are unevenly located in Russia, and not every patient can get to them on their own. Average age patients on substitution therapy in our country - 47 years, in developed countries - 15 years more. Many older compatriots simply do not live up to dialysis.

Kidney transplant is a radical treatment for CKD, it returns to a person full life and more economically feasible. However, there are more age-related and medical contraindications for transplantation than for dialysis. More than 1000 kidney transplant operations are performed in Russia per year, in the USA - 10 times more.

Discussion

The kidneys are serious. As far as I am knowledgeable in many issues, only when it comes to the kidneys, I pass - there are so many nuances. Sometimes I go to this site, completely devoted to pyelonephritis, methods of prevention, treatment of symptoms-pyelonephritis.rf [link-1]. It helps a lot to sort out our problem a little bit.

Comment on the article "5 questions about kidney disease: who is at risk and what tests to take"

Indications for examination and basic methods

The kidneys are also called the main filter of the body, since their main function is to remove the products of decay and metabolism in the process of life. These substances, remaining in the body for a long time, become toxic and can poison it. There are a number of indications for kidney diagnosis. Among them:

It is also necessary to undergo a routine examination for such phenomena:

If one of these signs is identified, then a visit to a nephrologist is mandatory. He will prescribe a diagnosis of kidney disease. It includes such methods of examining the kidneys:

physical methods (examination and questioning of the patient, taking anamnesis, palpation of the kidneys);
laboratory diagnostics (general and biochemical blood tests, urine tests);
instrumental methods kidney examinations (ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan other).

One or another method of research can be prescribed exclusively by a nephrologist, depending on the presence and severity of symptoms, as well as other indications and possible contraindications. Therefore, if you have kidney problems, you should visit a doctor who will determine which tests need to be passed and how they should be given.

Physical examination

The physical examination is primary. Indeed, before prescribing certain tests, an experienced doctor must first make sure that the patient has kidney problems. There are several ways to do this:

Laboratory diagnostics of the kidneys

If deviations are identified using physical methods, it is shown that additional research... What tests to take to check the kidneys completely? In case of renal diseases, they must be used laboratory tests... This type of survey involves the use of several methods:

Blood test. At biochemical analysis blood kidney tests make it possible to assess the condition of the kidneys, their ability to cope with their functions. They are performed for the presence of creatinine, urea and uric acid, which healthy organ completely removes from the body.If kidney tests detect these substances in large quantities, then this indicates the presence of kidney problems (often kidney failure). Before taking kidney tests, you should exclude from the diet:

They can distort the test results and kidney tests will not show an adequate picture of the state of renal excretory capacity. Also, a blood test for kidney disease should be done on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. Only if these rules are observed, kidney tests are effective method diagnosis of kidney damage.

Analysis of urine. It happens:

general. Allows you to assess the change in color, odor, nature of urine, as well as its biochemical parameters and bacteriological composition. She gathers in the morning before eating.

Before collecting urine, you should thoroughly wash and wipe dry the external genitals. For a few days, it is better to give up alcohol, salty and fried foods, some foods (for example, dairy). It must be delivered to the laboratory within 3 hours (otherwise it will become unusable for research);
according to Nechiporenko. Collect the middle portion of urine (volume 10 ml);
according to Zimnitsky. Urine is collected throughout the day in the amount of 8-12 samples. The method allows you to assess its density and quantity with each urination. This will detect some kidney disease as well as dehydration.

Physical and laboratory methods studies are required if the patient complains of back and lower back pain, swelling, discoloration of the skin, problems with urination. They are completely safe and have no contraindications.

Instrumental methods

The use of instrumental diagnostic methods is possible only with the appointment of the attending physician. There are several methods of such research. Which one to use to check the kidneys can only be decided by a doctor, taking into account the age and condition of the patient.

The most commonly used ultrasound examination of kidney function. It is the safest and can be assigned to all categories of people (even babies). For its use, special preparation is not required, and there is also no need to introduce harmful substances into the body.

Ultrasound of the kidneys will help diagnose an increase in their size, the presence of cysts, tumors, stones. Its implementation requires ridding the intestines of excess gases so that they do not obstruct the kidneys. For this you need:

3 days before the procedure, refuse products that provoke gas formation and bloating (cabbage, potatoes, black bread, dairy products, raw vegetables, berries and fruits, confectionery);
take enterosorbents (Espumisan, Activated carbon), capable of suppressing flatulence;
do not overeat on the eve of an ultrasound;
make a cleansing enema.

A less gentle method is X-ray diagnostics of kidney diseases, since it uses harmful X-rays that can provoke many diseases in humans. There are such types:

This method requires special preparation of the patient. For this, cleansing enemas are used, refusal to drink before the procedure.

Such radiation methods are also widely used to study the kidneys:

CT scan;
radionuclide diagnostics;

Radiation methods have a number of contraindications due to some of the risks that arise during their implementation. This can be a negative effect of X-rays and other rays on such groups of people:

For them, the appointment radiation procedures not recommended at all or applicable only if there are vital indications. Quite often, it is used in the diagnosis of kidney disease puncture biopsy(taking a piece of an organ for analysis). Usually. This method is indicated for suspicion of various kinds of neoplasms in the kidneys. This method is quite traumatic and requires the use of anesthesia.

The appointment of one or another method of kidney diagnosis is exclusively dealt with by a specialist - a therapist or nephrologist, having previously studied the patient's medical history. To make a diagnosis, he must take into account his age, the nature of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.

vsepropechen.ru

The main symptoms

If a person has any kidney problems, the following symptoms will be expressed:

a regular increase in blood (arterial) pressure;
discoloration of urine, the appearance in it of impurities (including blood) and an unpleasant odor;
constant urge to urinate (especially at night);
a decrease or increase in the volume of urine produced;
pain when urinating;
sharp or pulling pain in the lumbar region;
swelling of the legs and face;
constant thirst and decreased appetite;
shortness of breath.

If the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to undergo an examination. With its help, you can timely identify the onset of the development of diseases. Also, a prerequisite for the examination may be taking medications that disrupt the functioning of the kidneys (Acyclovir, Biseptol, diuretics, etc.).

Who is at risk?

O correct work kidneys should be worried about those people who regularly drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, take a large number of various medications.

Improper diet can also trigger the development of disease. Kidney disease is common in people who are overweight and have diabetes.

Diagnostic methods at home

How to check your kidneys at home? Accurate diagnosis at home is not possible, but some activities will help determine if you have any kidney disease. First, remember if you are concerned about pain in the lumbar region: sharp and sharp pain is a symptom of renal colic, and aching indicates chronic course illness.

Collect your morning urine in a clean container. It is desirable that he was white but transparent can be used. Examine the urine carefully: it should not contain any foreign matter, the normal color is yellow. If you notice a change in the color of urine or the presence of flakes - contact your doctor immediately! Especially dangerous is urine staining brown or red.

Another diagnostic method is to calculate the daily volume of urine excreted. To do this, urinate in one container for 24 hours, then measure the amount of its contents.

Normally, a person excretes about 2 liters of urine per day. If this figure is greater, this indicates polyuria, if less, it is oliguria.

With anuria, the kidneys do not produce urine at all. In case of any abnormalities, consult a doctor immediately.

Another sign of impaired kidney function is facial swelling. They are easy to spot by enlarged eyelids and a slightly swollen face. Swelling in kidney disease is formed very quickly, while the skin is pale. They can occur not only on the face, but also on other parts of the body.

What tests do I need to get to check my kidneys?

In order to recognize kidney disease and check their work, it is necessary to undergo an examination at the clinic. First of all, the specialist will offer to pass urine and blood tests.

Every person must submit a urine sample every six months. In the laboratory, urine is studied, the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes is counted, color, transparency and acidity are determined. Also, experts identify the presence of pathogenic impurities.

What urine test to take to check the kidneys? In addition to the general analysis, there are two more types of urine tests that are used for kidney disease:

according to Nechiporenko - will reveal pyelonephritis, cystitis and other inflammatory processes;
on the Bens-Jones protein - with its help it is possible to detect malignant neoplasms in the kidneys.

General blood analysis

Blood is taken in the laboratory from a vein and from a finger.

In the first case, the analysis will show the amount of creatinine and uric acid, in the second - the degree of inflammation (if any).

During the day before donating blood, it is prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages and medications.

Additional examinations

Based on the results of urine and blood tests, the patient may be assigned additional examinations:

Ultrasonography. Via this method a specialist evaluates the structure of the kidneys. Ultrasound is safe even for young children.
X-ray. It allows you to identify various neoplasms in the kidneys. In some cases, the patient undergoes urography. For this, a contrast agent is injected before the procedure.
Scintigraphy. This method, in contrast to ultrasound, allows you to identify not only the size of organs, but also functional disorders.

All of these methods will give a complete picture of the patient's kidney condition.

The most common kidney diseases and their symptoms

There are many diseases that cause kidney damage, but some are especially common.

Urolithiasis disease

The main symptom of this ailment is renal colic... It is a consequence of the release of a kidney stone into the ureter, which leads to a violation of the outflow of urine and trauma to the walls of the urinary tract. Sharp pain can spread to the entire pelvic region, and sometimes to inner surface hips.

Inflammation (cystitis, pyelonephritis)

The most common diseases associated with inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract are cystitis and pyelonephritis.

With these ailments, the patient has a strong fever, lethargy and decreased appetite.

The pain can be both aching and acute. There is heaviness in the lumbar region. Cystitis and pyelonephritis are often accompanied by frequent and painful urination.

Infections (glomerulonephritis)

Glomerulonephritis is infection... In the early stages of the disease, an admixture of blood is noticeable in the urine, and as the disease progresses, anuria (cessation of urine production) may be observed. With glomerulonephritis, it is disturbed electrolyte balance, extensive edema develops, but there is no pain characteristic of renal diseases. The most serious complication is swelling of the brain and lungs.

Preventive measures

The kidneys are a natural filter of our body, so it is very important to take care of their condition and to prevent the development of possible pathologies in advance.

To do this, it is enough to observe simple tips and recommendations mainly related to daily diet and lifestyle.

Here is a list of preventive measures to help you avoid the development of kidney disease:

Limit high protein foods in your diet that can cause kidney stones. The protein norm per day for an adult is 0.7 grams per kg of body weight.
Stop drinking alcoholic beverages.
Eat more kidney-friendly foods: berries (lingonberries, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries), watermelon and melon, rose hips, fresh herbs, vegetables (cabbage, cucumbers, pumpkin, bell pepper), apples, fish (preferably seafood).
Follow your drinking regime. If you do not have chronic kidney disease, drink up to 1.5 liters of water per day, in the heat, with dehydration (diarrhea and vomiting), with intense exertion, this volume increases.
Eliminate any hypothermia, as it increases the burden on the kidneys.
Go in for sports (but do not overload yourself, dancing and yoga are suitable for the prevention of kidney disease).
Temper and strengthen your immune system.
Monitor your weight.

The kidneys are a rather sensitive organ, so you should treat them with increased attention. If you notice any symptoms that indicate the development of kidney disease, be sure to see your doctor. Remember that the disease is easier to cure in the early stages.

mkb2.ru

Indications for examination

Indications for examination may be different factors or outward signs that are observed in the patient:

pain in the lumbar region is the main symptom kidney disease;
pain of not clear localization, radiating to the lower abdomen in the groin area;
discomfort when urinating or frequent urge to urinate may indicate a pathology in the urinary system;
the daily rate of excreted urine can be significantly reduced due to abnormal processes in the kidneys or disturbed metabolic processes in the body;
persistent hypertension that does not respond to rapid relief with essential drugs indicates kidney;
hematuria - the presence of blood in the urine, the second most important indicator of insufficient functioning of the excretory organs;
uncharacteristic color, odor, concentration of urine, in most cases associated with inability internal organs function normally.

Indirect signs include general body fatigue, nausea, elevated temperature body, constant thirst, drastic weight loss. The external manifestations of renal diseases include swelling of the lower extremities, puffiness of the face. It is important not to confuse swelling. cardiovascular disease that appear in the evening.

Home diagnostic methods

It is not possible to diagnose the disease accurately at home, due to the lack of the necessary reagents for conducting analyzes. However, one can suspect that it is the kidneys that are the culprits of the ailments and the symptoms that appear.

One way is to carefully examine the urine collected in the morning in a sterile, transparent container. While a person is sleeping, the kidneys continue to function and cleanse the blood from decay products, therefore, it is in the morning that the information content of this kind of analysis will be highest.

The urine should be transparent yellow, free from impurities, in the form of flakes or discoloration. The presence of blood in the urine or pus changes its color, and this indicates a disturbance in the functioning of the urinary system and you should immediately consult a doctor.

An additional method of diagnosis at home is the collection of daily urine and subsequent counting. Just as in the previous method, you need to take a clean, or preferably a sterile, container to collect fluid within 24 hours. After that, the collected urine is compared with normal performance... Conventionally, a person excretes about two liters of urine per day. A value above the norm indicates polyuria, and below it indicates oliguria (the kidneys are not able to produce urine and purify blood).

Both the presence of renal symptoms and urinalysis at home are not an absolute indicator of the disease of the excretory system. In case of any deviations from the norm, only a doctor is able to understand which organ is susceptible to pathology, and in accordance with this, prescribe treatment.

Laboratory tests

After initial examination a doctor, anamnesis and palpation of the lumbar region, laboratory tests of urine and blood are prescribed.

A general analysis of urine shows the presence and number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, epithelial cells... An estimate is given specific gravity, glucose, proteins, cylinders. The presence of pathogenic microflora, fungi, infections, bacteria is also determined.
A general blood test is taken in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach, then the results will be more indicative. The study will show anemia, as well as possible inflammatory processes that occur in the body.

There are additional urine tests that are considered more informative:

Analysis according to Zimnitsky, in which the excretory function of the kidneys is assessed. Every three hours throughout the day, an analysis is carried out for the amount and concentration of urine, which is a rather laborious process. The main thing in this study is not to violate the usual drinking regimen, so as not to distort the indicators.
Analysis according to Nechiporenko involves the collection of morning urine (the first and last fluids are drained into the toilet). Research helps to discover infectious lesions(pyelonephritis, cystitis).

beregipochki.ru

Indications for examination

A kidney exam is good for everyone. It is far from superfluous to clarify the state of the main filter of the human body.

Kidney diagnostics is necessary if:

a person feels high blood pressure, over 139 to 89;
small amount of urine when urinating;
frequent urge to urinate at night;
pain syndrome, a feeling of heaviness in the lumbar region;
pain during urination;
the urine has an unpleasant odor;
blood appeared in the urine, it changed color;
developed anemia;
for the diagnosis of urolithiasis;
to identify kidney stones;
after dehydration of the body, due to vomiting, diarrhea, high fever;
when taking potent, toxic medications;
with morning sickness and a systematic temperature of 37.5 ° C;
with systemic diseases such as lupus, diabetes;
with a palpable neoplasm in the abdominal cavity.

Diagnosis of kidney disease is shown to everyone. It is better to prevent the development of a terrible pathology than to treat it for a long time.

Methodology

In medicine, there are 2 main tests. Based on the test results, the doctor can give an opinion on the state of the organ.

The first type of testing is laboratory techniques that help to see pathological changes in the function of a paired organ. The second type of testing is instrumental diagnostics... The methods allow assessing changes in the structure of the organ and urinary tract. And such a study as urography, allows you to judge the excretory function of the kidneys. So, how to check the kidneys, what methods are there? Research in the laboratory includes the study of blood and urine. The following substances are detected in the blood:

urea;
creatinine;
uric acid.

Blood is taken from a vein. According to a general blood test, which is taken from a finger, one can only diagnose anemia, the presence of an inflammatory process without information about the place of its localization. Blood should be donated in the morning on an empty stomach. The following cells are counted in urine:

leukocytes;
epithelium;
erythrocytes.

Assess the specific gravity, the presence of cylinders, proteins, glucose, pathological formations, which include all kinds of fungi, impurities or mucus. Urine analysis can be general, or according to Zimitsky or Nechiporenko. Rehberg's tests are often prescribed.

Instrumental methods

There are 4 methods used in medicine today instrumental research... Methods for assessing the structure of the paired organ and renal tissue are as follows:

Ultrasound. Ultrasound of the kidneys allows you to assess the structure of the paired organ. Ultrasound examination is performed routinely every 12 months. Ultrasound does not provide an opportunity to assess the function of the kidneys and urinary tract.
X-ray examination. This concept includes CT and X-ray examination with a tube, with the introduction of contrast IV or in urinary tract... The use of X-rays cannot be frequent, therefore the procedure is carried out only according to the indications of the attending doctor.
Radionuclide scintigraphy. This study involves the introduction of a special radioisotope substance into the patient's body. Research is carried out only as directed by a doctor.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). It makes it possible to examine the organ in layers. Visualization is provided with a special magnet. Although this method is expensive, it does not harm the body, since it does not give radiation. The method is also used according to indications.

Diagnosing kidney disease at home is not possible. You can only carry out prevention on your own.

Preventive measures are not only about following the rules. It is very important to undergo an examination every year, do an ultrasound of the kidneys, and take a general analysis of urine and blood. All other studies are usually prescribed by a doctor, based on individual indicators.

It is important to understand that a timely examination of the body helps to identify pathology on early stages and, accordingly, to carry out effective treatment.

CT scan

CT, or computed tomography, can be done with or without contrast. It depends on the readings. A CT scan is prescribed when it is required to diagnose:

injury or neoplasm in the kidney;
kidney infection;
congenital anomalies;
polycystic;
studies of the retroperitoneal space.

A CT scan is done before the kidney is removed, before the biopsy, and after the organ is removed. This is done in order to identify hematomas, if they have formed. In addition, CT is done before removing stones from the paired organ, after kidney transplant. Conventional tomography does not require special preparation, but if the study is carried out with contrast, then the following must be done:

Read the documentation, fill out a questionnaire and give permission for a CT scan. You should also tell your doctor about a seafood allergy if present.
Take a blood test for biochemistry, which will allow you to obtain data on renal failure.
Do not eat before the procedure, at least 3 hours.

CT is performed as follows:

It is necessary to remove all metal, any metal objects, including piercings. If metal structures are installed in the body, then CT scan cannot be done.
If CT involves the introduction of contrast, then it is drunk or injected. Before CT scan with a contrast agent, a simple tomogram of the kidneys is mandatory.
Lean on the medical couch and lie still, thanks to this the picture will be clearer.
The radiologist does the study while in a special booth. He keeps in touch with the person being examined all the time and monitors his reaction so that there are no problems.
There is a link button next to the couch. If the patient becomes ill, vomiting or other negative symptoms then he can immediately contact the radiologist.
If the patient is claustrophobic, and CT scan is necessary, then the doctor is always present in the office, in case of panic he gives a sedative.
The procedure does not last long, and the radiologist describes the images in about 30 minutes.

According to the CT scan, the doctor makes a conclusion about the condition of the kidneys and urinary tract.

apochki.com

Complaints suggestive of kidney disease

There is a list of complaints that might suggest kidney problems:

Swelling of the feet, face;
Pain and discomfort in the lower back;
Increased pressure, combined with headaches;
Change in the type of urine;
Increased urge to urinate;
Decreased amount of urine;
Regular urge at night;
The feeling of thirst that does not go away;
Lack of appetite;
Weakness;
Shortness of breath, decreased endurance;
Chest pain, heart problems;
Itchy skin.

Diagnostic methods

People who suffer from kidney diseases often wonder how to get their kidneys checked, what tests need to be taken, and which doctor to make an appointment with.

There are several ways to diagnose kidney. The doctor who checks your kidneys and makes the correct diagnosis is called nephrologist.

Laboratory

Instrumental

Ultrasound of the kidneys- the most frequent research. The kidneys are well accessible for ultrasound and, thanks to new technology, the accuracy of this method is not inferior to computed tomography.

V individual cases Doppler ultrasound of an organ provides unique information.

During an ultrasound scan, the location of the kidneys and their interaction with other organs are studied.

Evaluated organ mobility, which can be partial with inflammation, are detected anomalies of location and development.

The study of the contours of the organ is also carried out to detect tumors.

Kidney urography

Urography is performed for research kidney conditions: the patient is injected with a contrast agent and X-rays... That is why the method is called contrast urography. It is based on the ability of the introduced composition to detain X-rays.

Prescribed to patients with suspected stones, infection urinary tract, in the presence of blood in the urine, which can report inflammation or cancer, with damage to the excretory tract. There are several types of urography:

overview,
intravenous,
excretory.

Plain radiography is the first step in examining patients. It makes it possible to obtain information about condition of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, as well as define volumetric formations.

The results of the study do not depend on kidney function. The method simplifies differential diagnosis urological diseases.

Radionuclide scintigraphy

Kidney scintigraphy is performed for various disorders of the urinary system... Research is carried out for

studying the shape, dimensions, position of the organ,
localization and severity of the disorder,
assessment of the functional state of the renal tissue.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic tomography is a method of examining the kidneys using magnetic field and radio pulses.

MRI has great importance to identify organ diseases... This is especially true for those who have contraindications for performing CT.

Extremely efficient way for examining patients with kidney tissue formations, it is used when CT, ultrasound is ineffective, and when X-ray examination Not recommended.

Also performed to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment of renal disorders.

And for those who suffer from obesity, diabetes mellitus, high pressure, advanced atherosclerosis or has other risk factors, you should be examined as needed.

Laboratory tests play an important role in the diagnosis of kidney disease. They allow you to reliably assess functional state urinary organs and even judge the prognosis of the disease. In our review, we will try to figure out which tests need to be passed in the first place in order to check the kidneys and get a complete picture of their work.

Kidney check at home

Interestingly, the simplest kidney exam can be done on your own. It is enough to collect morning urine in a clean white or transparent container and evaluate its transparency, color and smell.

Healthy person urine:

transparent, without foreign matter;
straw yellow;
has a faint smell.

If foam, flakes, sediment are found in it, a color change to brown or reddish, as well as the appearance of a pungent odor in mandatory need to go medical examination... Symptoms of the pathology of the urinary system (back pain, difficulty urinating, signs of intoxication) are another indication for the appointment of tests.

Urine tests

The main method laboratory diagnostics with kidney disease, urine analysis remains. Kidney tests make it possible to judge both the general functioning of the organs of the urinary system and to identify specific symptoms diseases.

In order for the test results to be as reliable as possible, it is recommended to donate urine after a little preparation:

For 1-2 days, products that can stain urine are excluded (for example, beets, a large amount of carrots, smoked meats, pickled vegetables and fruits, sweets).
During the same time, give up alcohol, coffee, multivitamin complexes, diuretics.
If you are constantly taking any medications, notify the doctor who sent you for analysis.
For 24-48 hours before the visit to the laboratory, give up heavy physical exertion, baths, saunas.

Note! Menstrual bleeding in women, an acute infectious process and a hypertensive crisis can affect the result, and the study of urine will be uninformative. It is better to postpone the examination of the kidneys, and pass the analysis after the normalization of the condition.

You should donate morning urine, which has accumulated in the bladder during a night's sleep. Before that, it is worth taking a shower, carrying out a thorough hygiene of the external genital organs. An average portion of urine is collected in a sterile container (it is better if it is a disposable container that is sold in pharmacies): the subject needs to start urinating into the toilet, and then collect 50-100 ml into the container without touching the skin.

The urine collected for analysis is stored for 1.5-2 hours in a cool place. Later, the biomaterial is considered unfit for study.

General clinical examination of urine

OAM is a standard examination method that assesses the physicochemical characteristics of the collected urine, the presence or absence of pathological impurities in it.

The test description is presented in the table below.

OAM allows you to create general idea about the work of the kidneys in the body. An increase in the level of leukocytes in urine and the appearance of bacteria in it indicates the development of an infectious process. Red blood cells and a large number of cylinders suggest acute stage glomerulonephritis.

If the above parameters deviate from the norm, one can judge not only kidney disease, but also systemic disorders in the body. For example, the detection of glucose in urine is a likely sign of diabetes mellitus, and positive analysis for bilirubin can confirm the presence of obstructive jaundice.

Test according to Nechiporenko

Urine analysis according to Nechiporenko is a diagnostic method necessary for the detailed determination of corpuscular elements in urine - erythrocytes, leukocytes and cylinders. It is usually used to identify a hidden infectious process, when it is difficult to judge the nature of the pathology based on the results of OAM. The generally accepted norms of analysis are presented in the table below.

Zimnitsky test

The analysis of urine according to Zimnitsky is based on the collection of daily urine with an indication of the time of urination. Allows you to determine the density of urine secreted at different times (prolonged, monotonous hypoisostenuria - a sign of renal failure), the presence of a perversion of the urination regime.

Blood tests

Along with kidney tests, laboratory blood tests also make a significant contribution to the diagnosis of diseases of the urinary system. Why do doctors see them as a "helper" in making a diagnosis? The fact is that the chemical and biological composition of blood reflects the state of the whole organism.

In a general blood test, kidney disease may indicate:

a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells (anemia);
an increase in the concentration of leukocytes is the main sign of inflammation;
acceleration of ESR.

In the biochemical analysis of blood, it is important to take into account the following indicators:

creatinine (norm - 44-106 μmol / l);
urea (norm - 2.5-8.3 mmol / l).

An increase in these indicators indicates that the kidneys cannot cope with work, and the patient develops chronic failure of these organs.

Above, we examined how to check the kidneys and determine the further tactics of managing the disease. In addition to laboratory tests, there are also instrumental methods for examining the organs of the urinary system, which make it possible to judge the size, location and internal structure of the kidneys. Together with blood and urine tests, they will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and start timely treatment.

The kidneys are an important organ in our urinary system. This is one of the main filters of the body. There are several ways to get your kidneys checked before visiting a doctor.

Everyone who has at least once dealt with a water filter understands how it works. This is the case with the kidneys. They pass the contaminated liquid part of the blood through themselves, and then return the already purified one. Each organ weighs about 200 grams. The kidneys are shaped like beans.

Filtration of blood in the body takes place in two passes.

First. The primary portion of urine is formed. The blood, passing through the capillary ball, loses plasma, some of it. This fluid then passes through the kidneys. The body filter will not allow proteins to pass through and blood cells... But glucose, toxic substances, salts, ammonia, water, urea pass calmly. Up to 170 liters of such primary urine are obtained per day.

Then the second stage begins. Just that habitual urine is formed, which leaves the body during the act of urination. It is precisely on it that you can check the kidneys not only in laboratory conditions, but also at home. And this urine will be much less, no more than 2 liters per day.

Urinary fluid travels through the tubules. Substances such as sugar and salt are absorbed back into them. Toxins and some types of salts are released. The tubules are very complex. They open into the renal pelvis. The urine is sent to the ureters without delay.

One of the main tasks of the urinary system is to rid the body of substances that are obtained during the breakdown of proteins. They are called nitrogenous. The tasks of the kidneys do not end there. In fact, “filters” are indispensable for the work of the hematopoietic system, and they also participate in the synthesis of vitamin D, and in the regulation of blood pressure.

That is why it is so important to know how to check your kidneys at home. For a long time, even with pathological processes, they do not report this in any way. Other organs may be sore or show obvious symptoms, the kidneys may not. And yet, if there are kidney problems, how to determine this before serious disorders appear? Below we will look at the main symptoms of problems.

Swelling usually appears in the morning. Looking at yourself in the mirror, you will see puffy eyelids and bags under the eyes. They disappear rather quickly during the day. Skin integument may be pale. Note that renal edema should not be confused with cardiac edema. The latter are disturbing in the evening.

Soreness

How to check the functioning of the kidneys if they do not hurt? Sometimes pain in the lumbar region can be if the capsule that protects the kidneys is stretched. This condition is observed in the inflammatory process, heart attack.

Renal colic also occurs in the presence of urolithiasis. It occurs when a particularly large calculus tries to leave the body and gets stuck in the ureter. In this case, the patient feels a one-sided attack that occurs suddenly. This condition requires medical attention.

Sand

How are kidneys checked in women if there is discomfort in the bladder area and frequent urination with an unpleasant burning sensation at the end? Such signs are characteristic of excessive accumulation of salts, which the kidneys are trying to remove.

With such symptoms, you need to pass a urine test for salt transport or to start OAM. Then you should undergo an ultrasound examination to exclude particularly large calculi that may be in the pelvis.

Pressure

Asking the question of how to check the functioning of the kidneys at home, many do not even know what the values of blood pressure are. It increases with pathology not only of the kidneys, but also of the vessels that feed them. Often, the pressure is increased with nephritis or with systemic pathologies - diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and the like.

Discharge color

It is easier for an adult to have a kidney test. How can a child do this? It is possible by the color and smell of urine. Normally, it should be yellow and transparent, without a pungent odor.

If it is cloudy, and also has impurities of blood, then it color index is changing. Pink color indicates that there is an injury, urolithiasis disease, neoplasm. It is very important to analyze your nutrition. There are foods that stain urine pink color... The most famous is beets.

Urinary frequency

How to check kidney function by the number of acts of urination, we will now tell you. With abundant and frequent urination one can suspect the presence of such pathologies as diabetes, cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc.

With the discharge of small volumes of urine, it is necessary to exclude renal failure, which develops after chronic renal disease. Retention of urine can be observed in men with prostatitis.

The discomfort

If you are wondering how the kidneys are checked in women with pain during urine excretion, in this case it is not necessary. Most likely, we are talking about urethritis or cystitis, in which the urethra is affected and bladder respectively.

We have considered several symptoms when the question may arise of how to check the kidneys at home. Observe your sensations and urine patterns. If you notice at least some hint of a disease, then first take a general urine test and go to a specialist.

How are kidneys tested? Research methods that check if the kidneys are healthy. How to check kidney function at home What tests need to be done for kidney disease

Symptoms of the disease

Diagnostics

Urine collection rules

How to diagnose at home?

What do the kidneys do, how do they work?

Who Treats Kidney Disease? How common are they?

Who is at risk of "earning" chronic kidney disease?

How can chronic kidney disease be diagnosed?

What is renal replacement therapy?

More on the topic "What tests need to be taken to check the kidneys":

Indications for examination and basic methods

Physical examination

Laboratory diagnostics of the kidneys

Instrumental methods

The main symptoms

Who is at risk?

Diagnostic methods at home

What tests do I need to get to check my kidneys?

General blood analysis

Additional examinations

The most common kidney diseases and their symptoms

Urolithiasis disease

Inflammation (cystitis, pyelonephritis)

Infections (glomerulonephritis)

Preventive measures

Indications for examination

Home diagnostic methods

Laboratory tests

Indications for examination

Methodology

Instrumental methods

CT scan

Complaints suggestive of kidney disease

Diagnostic methods

Laboratory

Instrumental

Kidney urography

Radionuclide scintigraphy

Magnetic resonance imaging

Kidney check at home

Urine tests

General clinical examination of urine

Test according to Nechiporenko

Zimnitsky test

Blood tests

Soreness

Sand

Pressure

Discharge color

Urinary frequency

The discomfort