At UPMC, we offer a complete range of kidney function evaluation services, including tests and procedures for acute and chronic kidney disorders. Using state-of-the-art technology, our experts can accurately diagnose your condition and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Our Kidney Function Evaluation Services
Your nephrology expert may order different types of tests to check your kidney function and diagnose your kidney disorder, including:
Blood tests
Blood tests include:
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) — Shows how well your kidneys are filtering urea nitrogen, a waste product, from your blood.
- GFR Testing — Also known as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test, this shows how efficiently your kidneys are functioning based on your age, creatinine level, and sex.
- Serum (blood) creatinine — Shows how well your kidneys are filtering creatinine, a waste product, from your blood.
Urine tests
Urine tests include:
- Creatinine clearance — A comparison of creatinine levels in your blood and your 24-hour urine sample to figure out how much creatinine has traveled from your blood to your urine.
- Urinalysis — Looks for abnormalities in your urine, such as a protein called albumin that shows up when your kidneys aren’t working well.
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) — Looks for high levels of a protein called albumin in your urine.
- Urine output — Also known as a 24-hour urine collection, this test tracks how much urine your body produces each day.
- Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR) — Looks for high levels of all types of protein in your urine, not just albumin.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests include:
- CT scan — A test that creates images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
- MRI — Uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within your body.
- Renal scan — A renal scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that looks for problems with the structure and function of your kidneys.
- Ultrasound — Uses sound waves to create images of your organs to check for problems.
Diagnostic procedures
Diagnostic procedures include:
- Kidney biopsy — A procedure that involves taking small pieces of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope to check for signs of disease.
Why Choose UPMC for Kidney Function Evaluation Services?
When you choose UPMC for kidney function evaluation services, you will receive:
- Access to world-class nephrology expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of kidney diseases using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that slows the progression of your disease as much as possible and improves your quality of life.
- Multidisciplinary care — If you need advanced kidney treatment, we partner with special dialysis clinics, experts in supportive care, and kidney transplant surgeons.
