End-Stage Renal Disease: Diagnosis & Tests (ESRD, End-Stage Kidney Disease, End-Stage Renal Failure)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > End-Stage Renal Disease: Diagnosis & Tests
Category : Health Centers > Urinary System & Kidneys

End-Stage Renal Disease

Alternate Names : ESRD, End-Stage Kidney Disease, End-Stage Renal Failure

End-Stage Renal Disease | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the disease diagnosed?

The disease is diagnosed by a careful look at a person's medical history and through blood tests. Many people with end-stage renal disease are also malnourished. Blood samples will be taken to check the levels of creatinine and urea. In many cases, there is a low level of the kidney hormone erythropoetin. The blood tests may also show high levels of potassium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and magnesium as well as low levels of calcium.

An ultrasound of the kidneys may show small, scarred kidneys. A kidney biopsy, in which a small sample of kidney tissue is taken, may show how much damage has been done to the kidneys.

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End-Stage Renal Disease: Symptoms & Signs		End-Stage Renal Disease: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Rajnish K. Dhingra, MD
Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
Date Reviewed: 05/04/01

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