investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
Investigations in this condition include:
Urine sample:
- bright red urine implies that it is not likely to be post streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- dipstick reveals blood and protein, but not more than two plus
- microscopy reveals red cell casts, but no protein casts or hyaline casts
- culture and specificity is needed also
Blood:
- full blood count, with differential
- ESR and CRP
- collagen vascular disease screen
- VDRL
- biochemistry - urea raised, sodium and bicarbonate lowered, potassium normal or raised
- antistreptolysin O titre
- viral status, especially HIV
- complement - depressed C3
Imaging:
- chest radiology if there is pulmonary oedema
- abdominal ultrasound
ECG:
- if there is a raised potassium