Diagnosing chronic kidney disease

A blood test estimates how well the kidneys filter waste. A urine sample can show protein or blood that may signal kidney damage. One unusual result does not always establish chronic disease, so repeat testing may be needed. Your clinician will consider medicines, hydration, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions that can alter results. CKD can be present without noticeable symptoms; fatigue or excessive thirst may have many causes. Read about [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/) and [Hypertension](/conditions/hypertension/).

Attend repeat tests when requested and bring a list of medicines, supplements and recent illnesses. Keep appointments so changes can be compared rather than judged from one reading. Managing conditions such as [Type 2 Diabetes](/conditions/type-2-diabetes/) supports kidney health. Ask whether you need monitoring of blood pressure, urine protein or anaemia. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

Arrange a medical review for ongoing fatigue, excessive thirst, changes in urination or swelling, especially if you have diabetes or hypertension. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, very little urine or sudden marked swelling. These symptoms need prompt assessment and do not by themselves prove CKD.

Ask which kidney and urine results were abnormal, whether they need repeating, and what may have affected them. You can also ask how often monitoring is needed and whether symptoms such as [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) require another explanation.