Diagnosing Kidney Infection
To diagnose a kidney infection, healthcare providers may perform several examinations, screening tests, and procedures. These help confirm the diagnosis and determine the type, severity, or stage of the infection.
Specialists for diagnosing a kidney infection include primary care physicians, urologists, nephrologists, and infectious disease specialists. Here are some of the examinations, tests, and procedures commonly used:
- Physical examination: A medical professional will conduct a physical examination to assess a person's overall health. They will check vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, signs of dehydration, and respiratory rate. They will also assess the mid to lower back for pain, sensitivity, or tenderness.
- Urine sample: Collecting a mid-stream urine sample in a special container allows for laboratory analysis. If the urine sample contains bacteria and white blood cells, it could indicate an infection. Both symptoms and lab results can help with diagnosis.
- Imaging tests: Healthcare professionals may request imaging of the kidney area to identify any abnormalities. Common imaging tests include CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds. These tests provide detailed images of the kidneys and urinary tract to help identify any issues.
- Blood tests: Blood tests are used to measure substances filtered by the kidneys, such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Elevated levels of these substances could indicate kidney dysfunction or acute kidney failure.
Depending on individual circumstances, additional examinations may be necessary to rule out other causes or complications. These may include rectal examinations for males to check for an enlarged prostate and pelvic examinations for young females to rule out pelvic inflammatory disease.
To determine the type, severity, or stage of a kidney infection, doctors may perform further examinations or procedures:
- Abdominal X-ray: An X-ray can help rule out other potential causes of symptoms related to kidney infection.
- Renal ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys. It helps doctors check for blockages, abnormalities, tumors, or other problems within the kidneys.
- Renal biopsy: In some cases, a doctor may perform a renal biopsy by extracting a small piece of kidney tissue for examination in a laboratory setting. This can help determine if there is any cell damage present.
Remember that it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.