Nephrology Diagnostic Tests

At UPMC, we offer a complete range of diagnostic 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.

Diagnostic Tests

Your nephrology expert may order different types of tests to 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.
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) — 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.
• 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.
• 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 Nephrology Care?

When you choose UPMC for nephrology care, 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.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-04-24.