Urinalysis for kidney issues

Posted , 4 users are following.

Would a simple pee stick test be enough to detect a potential issue with the kidneys??

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    My nephrologist did that test following my first appointment to check for protein in my urine. He has since done a much more thorough analysis. However he continues to do the pee stick test a few times a year to keep an eye on my protein levels. (I've been seeing him at least every three months since August of 2013.)

    Marj

  • Posted

    Hi

    Yes it can but it will not always show kidney problems on its own.

    My urine tests only show invisible haematuria and yet my kidney function is low.

    The urine test alone would not have given reason for kidney problems. It was a routine blood test that showed my ckd3b .

    I have no symptoms and am well. My urine is tested 6 monthly to monitor protein levels so far only a trace now and again.

    Unfotunately my egfr continues to go down but no cause has been found yet.

    Waiting for a nephrology referral which my gp is reluctant to do until my egfr is 30. So I am going to find a private nephrologist.

    Hope everything is good with you

    Jane

    • Posted

      The progression of my CKD seems to be somewhat like yours--feeling well while in Stage IIIb, protein in my urine in the upper end of the normal range, my only issues were slightly elevated potassium levels and moderate anemia.

      Of course that has all changed now, but I definitely felt quite well, overall, when I was in Stage IIIb. I was just really anxious about everything at that point. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out if there was anything that could be done to preserve my remaining renal function and so forth.  

      Marj

    • Posted

      Yes Marj! Exactly how I feel! Thats why I am going to see a nephrologist privately to at least see how I can stall the progression.

      I read all the comments which helps alot re diet and stuff, just wish I knew the cause.

      Jane

  • Posted

    Years ago, that sort of test was not done in the 80's. But I assume it is possible now. Back then, the used a 24 hour collection., whereby you urinated into a container to collect all urine for 24 hours and it is stored in the refrigerator until you take it to your doctor's office or lab. It measures how much protein is produced during the 24 hours. You can't miss any urine because the lab can tell, I missed one collection and had to start all over again, with a new container.

    Also, if you urinate in the toilet and it becomes foamy or looks like soap suds, it shows you are urinating too much protein.

    You are lucky that the doctors have told you which stage were at, my doctor never told me what stage I was at even when I was at stage 5.The reason he gave was I had too many other medical problems that he did not know how to treat me. I have over 20 medical problems. Towards the end, I was given predisone and Gen graf. To slowly prevent me from total kidney failure, but nothing worked for me. It might help you. Good luck

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