Children with Chronic Renal Failure often undergo tests to check their kidney function. This page explains a little about each test.
Always go to your Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) if you have further questions or worries.
Other members of the Renal Team will also be able to help.
Height and Weight are checked regularly to check growth.
Blood pressure is checked regularly as it may be raised in kidney failure. Drug treatments may be used to help control blood pressure.
Testing the urine for blood, protein and other substances can tell a great deal about your child’s kidney function. A sample of urine may be required for culture to see if your child has a urine infection.
Urea and Electrolyte levels (U and E’s)
Urea and Creatinine are both waste products of the body. They are usually removed from the blood by the kidneys and passed into the urine. By looking at the level of urea and creatinine in the blood the Nephrologist gains more information about how well the kidneys are working.
Electrolytes such as potassium and sodium are excreted and balanced by the kidneys. In renal failure these electrolytes may become imbalanced, which can sometimes be a serious problem. Adjustments to diet or dialysis (if your child is receiving this treatment) may be made if the levels are too high or too low.
Calcium and Phosphate are measured as they are involved in the growth of bones and affected by diet and drug treatments.
Haemoglobin Levels (Hb) are monitored to detect anaemia. Anaemia is common in renal failure as the kidneys release hormones involved in the production of red cells that carry the haemoglobin and oxygen around the body.
Iron and vitamin levels may also be monitored.
Fat levels in the blood may be tested in children who have problems with nephrotic syndrome. Your child needs to go to the clinic FASTED for this test is to be done.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the one involved with good bone growth and may be measured 3 monthly prior to and whilst on dialysis.
Children with Chronic Renal Failure are usually tested for Hepatitis virus and others such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and chickenpox.
Bone X-rays are carried out every 6 months to a year to monitor bone growth. It usually involves an x-ray of the wrist and hand.
Ultrasound scans (US) may be carried out in the x-ray department or on the ward. They require no needles and cause no pain. An ultrasound shows the outline and shape of the kidneys.
Some jelly like cream is placed on the front and back (over the kidneys) for this test. It may feel cold and is easily removed.
Special x-ray tests such as DMSA and Mag 3, are discussed on a separate page.
Micturating Cystourethrogram (MCUG) is also discussed on a separate page.
The Nephrologist uses the results of examination in the clinic along with urine and blood tests to see how well the kidneys are working.
If you are not receiving the amount of information that you would like about test results, then please discuss this with your nephrologist or clinic nurse.
NKF Controlled Document No. 104, Chronic Renal Failure: Tests, written 27 February 2007. Last reviewed 27 February 2007.
Content compiled by Paediatric Advice, Literature & Support (PALS), c/o Paediatric Renal Unit, City Hospital, Nottingham NG5 1PB.
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.
Page created: 27 February 2007
Last updated: 2 August 2007
This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster
