IgA Nephropathy

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests to identify IgA nephropathy include:

Patients submit a urine sample for laboratory analysis. Test results provide the health care team with important information about the level of kidney function and whether there are high levels of red blood cells and protein in the urine.

For this procedure, a needle is used to extract small pieces of kidney tissue for examination. Kidney biopsies are performed in the radiology clinic under ultrasound guidance.

Ultrasound or X-rays may also be used to evaluate the shape or size of the kidneys, and cystoscopy/urology evaluation may be considered to rule out other causes of bleeding in the urinary tract.