1. Urinalysis

• Description: A urinalysis means an examination of urine for its physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics.

• Objective: To detect abnormalities like blood, protein, glucose, and bacteria. It is helpful in diagnosing UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), kidney diseases, and diabetes.

• Procedure: A sample of urine is tested for various constituents through dipsticks, microscopy, and other techniques.
  
  

2. Blood Tests

• Description: Blood tests are conducted to measure levels of different substances present in the blood and to monitor the kidneys’ functioning.

• Common Tests:

• Serum Creatinine: This test determines the creatinine level, a waste product cleared through the kidneys.

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This test is conducted to determine the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a by-product of protein metabolism.

• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Calculates the rate of waste filtration from blood through the kidneys.

• Electrolyte Panel: The test calculates the different present levels of various electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.

• Purpose: The test is carried out to determine

• • Kidney function assessment and its effectiveness

• Diagnosis of acute and chronic kidney diseases
  
  

3. Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are used to see the kidneys and urinary tract visually.

• Common Imaging Tests:

• Ultrasound: This process uses sound waves to image the kidneys. It can detect abnormalities like cysts, stones, or tumours in the organ.

• CT Scan: Detailed cross-sectional images of the kidneys are produced with the help of Computed Tomography. It is done to diagnose conditions such as kidney stones, tumours, and structural abnormalities.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): It gives fine details of the kidney structure through the use of magnetic fields; it helps in assessing kidney tumors and blood flow.

• Renal Scintigraphy (Nuclear Medicine Scan): A radioactive tracer is injected to examine the functioning of kidneys and blood flow.

• Purpose: To detect any structural or functional lesions in the kidneys and the urinary tract.
  
  

4. Kidney Biopsy

• Description: Kidney biopsy is a procedure of collecting a small sample from the kidney tissue for studying under a microscope.

• Procedure: This is done under local anesthesia with a needle guided by ultrasound or CT imaging.

• Purpose: To diagnose certain renal diseases such as glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis. Assesses the extent of damage and follow up on the response to treatment.
  
  

5. Urine Culture

• Description: A urine culture detects the presence of bacteria or fungi in the urine.

• Procedure: A urine sample is incubated to allow the growth of micro-organisms, which are then characterized and tested for antibiotic sensitivity.

• Purpose: To diagnose UTIs and to project the most effective antibiotic treatment.
  
  

6. Micro-albuminuria Test

• Description: The test measures small amounts of albumin, a type of protein in urine.

• Purpose: To check for early signs of damage to the kidneys, more specifically in diabetic patients. It aids in early diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease.
  
  

7. Electrolyte and Acid-Base Balance Tests

• Description: The levels of some electrolytes are measured to assess the acid-base balance of the body.

• Common Tests:

• Serum Potassium: To determine the levels that are very essential for heart and muscle activities.

• Serum Sodium: To ascertain the blood pressure and fluid balance.

• Bicarbonate: To assess acid-base balance in the blood.

• Purpose: To detect any imbalance caused by kidney disease. Guides treatment to re-establish normal electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance.
  
  

8. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test

• Description: To measure the amount of parathyroid hormone present in the blood.

• Purpose:

• To assess calcium metabolism and the status of bones in CRF (Chronic Renal Failure) patients
• To diagnose the most common complication of CRF and secondary hyperparathyroidism
  
  

9. Creatinine Clearance Test

• Description: To measure how much creatinine is cleared from the blood by the kidneys in a 24-hour duration.

• Purpose:

• To access accurate kidney function.
• To assist in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  
  

Diagnosis of kidney diseases includes various combined tests to satisfactorily establish kidney functions and if there are any underlying diseases. Early diagnosis by these tests is very important for treatement and management of kidney-related diseases. It is an effort to enhance the patient outcomes and quality of life. Timely detection and intervention will prevent the spread of kidney disease and alleviate the risk of complications.