A diagnosis is necessary to determine the need for renal dialysis. The decision to initiate dialysis is based on a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including:
- Medical History and Symptoms: Assessment of symptoms such as persistent fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, and changes in urination, along with the patient’s medical history.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to measure levels of waste products (e.g., creatinine, urea), electrolytes (e.g., potassium, sodium), and other indicators of kidney function.
- Imaging Studies: Tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to evaluate the structure and function of the kidneys and to identify any abnormalities or damage.
- Kidney Function Tests: Measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and other tests to assess how well the kidneys are filtering blood.
- Diagnosis of Underlying Conditions: Identification and evaluation of underlying conditions that may be causing kidney failure, such as diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, or polycystic kidney disease.
- Assessment of Kidney Function: Determining the extent of kidney function decline and the severity of kidney failure, which guides the decision on whether dialysis is necessary.
A formal diagnosis and thorough assessment ensure that the need for renal dialysis is appropriately identified, and that the treatment plan is tailored to the patient's specific needs and medical condition.
