Polycystic Kidney Disease

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic doctors use the following procedures to diagnose polycystic kidney disease:

• Imaging studies. Ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can detect the size and number of cysts, as well as evaluate the amount of healthy kidney tissue you have.
• Genetic tests. Special blood tests are given to you and at least three family members who are known to have or not to have polycystic kidney disease. Results of your blood test are compared to those of your family members. Genetic testing is often used when one family member considers donating a kidney to another family member for a living donor kidney transplant. Genetic testing can also be used when imaging results are inconclusive about a diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease.