![]() Physical Analysis: Once the urine sample makes it to the lab, a great number of tests are conducted. For several urine tests, it is possible to buy over-the-counter tests for use at home.Īlso, it is important to know that the results from a urinalysis can indicate any kind of nephritis (inflammation of the glomeruli or nephrons) with many possible causes, so these are not enough to make a positive lupus nephritis diagnosis by themselves. This most often happens in the healthcare practitioner’s office or a clinic and the only really important part is to make sure that the sample is not contaminated – particularly if the sample is to be cultured for bacterial infections. The urinalysis begins with the relatively simple sampling method of peeing into a cup. These leaked chemicals and cells are most of what is measured with urinalysis. When this occurs, the kidneys lose their ability to filter the blood properly, and other parts of the blood can leak into the urine. These include inflammation, blood clots (often from vasculitis) as well as other types of damage that are associated with the body’s out of control autoimmune response. The microscopic blood vessels and tube-like structures within each glomerulus can be damaged by lupus in several ways. They are also where most of the damage from lupus nephritis (or most other kidney diseases) takes place. There are approximately one million glomeruli in each kidney and they are the most delicate and important part of its anatomy. There the urine is stored until it is eliminated through the urethra. A complex series of tubules take the urine through several pathways and eventually lead to ureters, which in turn bring the resulting urine to the bladder. It is far too complicated to describe here, but it entails structures, called glomeruli, which filter chemicals, molecule by molecule, from the blood and mixes them with water to form urine. How this happens is both simple and incredibly complex and requires some of the most delicate tubes and blood vessels in human anatomy. The primary job of the urinary system is to filter the blood and remove any excess water, electrolytes, and any metabolic wastes (urea) that would be unhealthy and ultimately deadly if they remained in the body. The kidneys are just one part of the body’s urinary system, otherwise known as the renal or excretory system. Before exploring the techniques and details of urinalysis testing, here is a brief overview of the renal system and how lupus can affect them. Currently, a great deal of research has gone into finding new indicators, called biomarkers that could help make the diagnosis of LN cheaper, quicker and far less invasive. Unfortunately, most of these indicators alone do not provide a definitive diagnosis for SLE or lupus nephritis and blood tests as well as invasive biopsies of the kidneys are needed. The most common indicators for lupus nephritis involve the presence of certain proteins, blood cells, kidney cells, even bacteria that can result from kidney damage. Within this examination are the indicators for kidney functions or damage that might suggest lupus nephritis or other lupus related conditions. Urinalysis testing measures the physical, chemical and microscopic characteristics of urine. Yet, the vast majority of those will not be diagnosed with kidney disease at the beginning of their disease. It is estimated that up to 60% of all adults and 80% of children with lupus will develop some form of kidney involvement or damage. One type of lupus, lupus nephritis (LN), specifically attacks the kidneys and can lead to serious, even life-threatening symptoms. Lupus or SLE is an incredibly difficult to diagnose condition and can affect almost any part of the body. Here is an overview of what you should know and expect from urinalysis testing. Timely urinalysis testing is a relatively simple and effective way to help with an early diagnosis that may prevent damage later on. Kidney disease, specifically lupus nephritis, is one of the most common and serious conditions for those diagnosed with lupus.
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