The evaluation of kidney disease begins with a history and physical exam.

Usually, the physical exam remains normal until the kidneys start to fail.

Physical findings in someone with kidney failure include:

• Excessive bruising
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness and tingling:
• In the hands or feet
• Pale skin
• Facial swelling
• Leg swelling (bilateral)
• Foot swelling (bilateral)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Confusion
• Lethargy:
• Excessive sleepiness

Blood and urine tests that may be used to evaluate kidney disease include:

• 24 hour urine for creatinine clearance
• Complete blood count
• Electrolyte profile
• Erythropoietin
• Kidney profile
• Urinalysis

Tests that may be used to evaluate the structure of the kidneys in someone with kidney disease include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan
• Intravenous pyelogram
• Kidney biopsy
• MRI scan
• Renal arteriogram

For more information:

• Acute glomerulonephritis evaluation
• Acute interstitial nephritis evaluation
• Kidney injury evaluation
• Kidney stones evaluation
• Nephrotic syndrome evaluation
• Polycystic kidney disease evaluation
• Pyelonephritis evaluation
• Reflux nephropathy evaluation
• Renal artery occlusion evaluation
• Renal cell carcinoma evaluation
• Renal tubular acidosis evaluation
• Urinary tract infection evaluation