Investigations

Investigations in this condition include:

Urine sample:

• bright red urine implies that it is not likely to be post streptococcal glomerulonephritis
• dipstick reveals blood and protein, but not more than two plus
• microscopy reveals red cell casts, but no protein casts or hyaline casts
• culture and specificity is needed also

Blood:

• full blood count, with differential
• ESR and CRP
• collagen vascular disease screen
• VDRL
• biochemistry - urea raised, sodium and bicarbonate lowered, potassium normal or raised
• antistreptolysin O titre
• viral status, especially HIV
• complement - depressed C3

Imaging:

• chest radiology if there is pulmonary oedema
• abdominal ultrasound

ECG:

• if there is a raised potassium