Details of tests needed if Lupus causes Kidney Disease

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Blood and urine and urine tests are performed to detect any kidney disease at an early stage in lupus, and are repeated at most hospital visits. The most important urine test is for protein. Protein will appear in the urine in nearly every patient with lupus and kidney disease. Click here for details about protein in the urine.

If there is a sign of kidney disease, further tests will be performed. These will include X-rays of the kidneys, and if significant kidney disease is suspected, removal of a tiny piece of kidney to look at under the microscope. This is called a kidney biopsy; click here for more details on kidney biopsy.

Return to Lupus main page (What are the symptoms of Kidney Disease in Lupus?)

NKF Controlled Document No. 29, Details of tests needed if Lupus causes Kidney Disease, written 20 November 2000. Last reviewed 27 October 2008.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

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