End-Stage Renal Failure - End-Stage Renal Disease

How is the disease diagnosed?

The disease is diagnosed by a careful look at a person's medical history and through blood tests. Many people with end-stage renal disease are also malnourished. Blood samples will be taken to check the levels of creatinine and urea. In many cases, there is a low level of the kidney hormone erythropoetin. The blood tests may also show high levels of potassium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and magnesium as well as low levels of calcium.

An ultrasound of the kidneys may show small, scarred kidneys. A kidney biopsy, in which a small sample of kidney tissue is taken, may show how much damage has been done to the kidneys.