Certain indicators derived from noninvasive testing can categorize kidney diseases into clinically relevant groups. The results of select tests-estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal ultrasound scans, and urinal-ysis, in conjunction with urinary protein measurements-can be used to determine whether renal injury is acute or chronic, glomerular or interstitial, in a systematic manner. First, GFR can be estimated and kidney disease staged if it is chronic (of greater than 3 months' duration). Then, ultrasound examination can further determine the duration of disease, the presence of obstruction, and the possibility of a solitary functioning kidney or other anatomic abnormalities. Finally, urinalysis and spot urine evaluations for both protein and creatinine can lead to determinations that implicate the glomerulus or interstitium as the origin of renal injury.
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