Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Medical Web Links

MOL Site Map

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

CRF - Chronic Renal Failure

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the disease diagnosed?

Although chronic renal failure usually has no symptoms, a physical examination by a doctor can be helpful. Since many diseases lead to chronic renal failure, the path to diagnosis can vary. There are a few common abnormalities associated with this condition.

A urinalysis may show protein, red blood cells, or different types of casts, which are structures made when minerals collect on the walls of the kidneys.

A blood sample may show elevated creatinine and urea nitrogen, which are both toxins.

Levels of erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys, may be low.

Levels of serum potassium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, magnesium, and calcium may be high.

Malnourishment can result.

Kidneys may be small and scarred.

If the underlying kidney disease causing CRF is unclear, the doctor may decide to do a kidney biopsy.

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement