Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Kidney Health: Blood Tests vs Imaging
To check if your kidneys are working properly, doctors first use blood and urine tests.
These tests show if there's any damage.
If the results are not normal, then they might use imaging like ultrasound or CT scans to see if there's a problem with the structure of your kidneys.
This helps them understand why your kidneys might not be working well.
Both tests are important and are used together to diagnose kidney issues.
Regular checks are important for people at risk, like those with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Early detection can prevent serious kidney problems later on.
Blood and urine tests are first-line assessments for kidney health
Imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans help identify structural causes
Both tests have distinct roles in diagnosing kidney issues
Early detection through simple tests can prevent chronic kidney disease
Imaging is advised only when there's an abnormality or specific symptom
- Who
- People at risk of kidney disease, such as diabetics, hypertensives, or those with a family history
- What
- Undergo blood and urine tests, and possibly imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans
- When
- Regularly, for those at risk, and as advised by a healthcare provider
- Where
- At a healthcare facility
- Why
- To detect kidney damage early and prevent chronic kidney disease
- Key Blood Test
- Serum Creatinine and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
- Urine Test
- Detects protein or blood in urine
- Imaging Techniques
- Ultrasound or CT scans to identify structural causes