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24-Hour Urine Collection (24-hour urine, urine volume) Procedure Overview What is a 24-hour urine collection? Click Image to Enlarge A 24-hour urine collection is a simple diagnostic procedure that measures the components of urine. The test is noninvasive (the skin is not pierced), and is used to assess kidney (renal) function. Twenty-four hour urine collection is performed by collecting a person's urine in a special container over a 24-hour period. The container must be kept cool during this time until...

Antegrade Pyelogram (Antegrade Nephrostogram) Procedure Overview What is an antegrade pyelogram? An antegrade pyelogram is a type of x-ray used to diagnose an obstruction of the upper urinary tract. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected into a portion of the ureter (narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) closest to the kidneys called the renal pelvis. The flow of the contrast dye can then be observed with x-ray images as it moves from the kidneys into the ureters and u...

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Kidney (Renal CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the kidney? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than s...

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP, Intravenous Urography, IVU, Excretory Urography) Procedure Overview What is an intravenous pyelogram? An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a type of x-ray that allows visualization of the kidneys and ureters after the injection of a contrast dye. The dye helps enhance the image on an x-ray film. As the contrast dye moves into and through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, x-rays taken at short intervals can capture its movement. A delay in the contrast dye moving through the uri...

Kidney Biopsy (Biopsy-Kidney, Renal Biopsy, Biopsy-Renal, Needle Aspiration of the Kidney, Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is a kidney biopsy? A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. During a kidney biopsy, tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present, or to determine how well the kidney is working. There are two types of kidney biopsies: needle biopsy ...

Kidney Scan (Renal Scan, Renogram, Renal Scintigraphy) Procedure Overview What is a kidney scan? A kidney scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to assess the function and structure of the kidneys, as well as the perfusion (blood flow) to the kidney tissue. A kidney scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the kidneys. The radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radio...

Kidney Transplantation Procedure (Kidney Transplant, Renal Transplant) Procedure Overview What is a kidney transplant? A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from another person. The kidney may come from a deceased organ donor or from a living donor. Family members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may be able to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living transplant. Individuals who donate...

Kidney Ultrasound (Renal Ultrasound, Kidney Ultrasonography, Kidney Echography) Procedure Overview What is a kidney ultrasound? A kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the kidneys and related structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to the kidneys. A kidney ultrasound uses a handheld probe called a transducer that send...

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder X-ray (KUB [Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder], KUB X-ray, Flat Plate of the Abdomen X-ray) Procedure Overview What is a kidneys, ureter, and bladder x-ray? A kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) x-ray may be performed to assess the abdominal area for causes of abdominal pain, or to assess the organs and structures of the urinary and/or gastrointestinal (GI) system. A KUB x-ray may be the first diagnostic procedure used to assess the urinary system. X-rays use invisible electromagnetic ...

Lithotripsy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy, ESWL, Shock Wave Lithotripsy) Procedure Overview What is lithotripsy? Lithotripsy is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract. Lithotripsy treats kidney stones by sending focused ultrasonic energy or shock waves directly to the stone first located with fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray “movie”) or ultrasound (high frequency sound waves). The shock waves break a large st...

Renal Angiogram (Angiogram-Kidneys, Renal Angiography, Renal Arteriogram, Renal Arteriography) Procedure Overview What is a renal angiogram? An angiogram, also called an arteriogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels. It is performed to evaluate various vascular conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockages. A renal angiogram is an angiogram of the blood vessels of the kidneys. A renal angiogram may be used to assess the blood f...

Renal Venogram (Venogram-Renal, Renal Venography, Venogram of the Kidneys) Procedure Overview What is a renal venogram? A renal venogram is a diagnostic procedure that provides information about the circulatory health of the kidneys. A renal venogram uses x-rays and intravenous (IV) contrast dye to visualize the veins within the kidneys and the veins carrying blood away from the kidneys. Contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the x-ray image, allowing the physician to visualize the bl...

Abdominal Ultrasound (Abdominal Ultrasonography, Abdominal Sonography, Abdominal Echography) Procedure Overview An abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, and abdominal aorta. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the abdominal organs and structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to abdominal or...

Abdominal X-rays (Flat Plate of the Abdomen, Abdominal Radiography, KUB [Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder] X-ray) Procedure Overview X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body tissu...

Glomerulonephritis in Children What is glomerulonephritis? Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease that involves the glomeruli. The glomeruli are very small, important structures in the kidneys that supply blood flow to the small units in the kidneys that filter urine, called the nephrons. During glomerulonephritis, the glomeruli become inflamed and impair the kidney's ability to filter urine. What causes glomerulonephritis? Glomerulonephritis is caused by several different disease states, includ...

Glossary - Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] analgesic - any drug intended to alleviate pain. B [back to top] biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. bladder - a triangle-sha...

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children What is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)? HUS is a rare condition that can lead to kidney failure in children. Kidney failure develops as a result of destruction of the small, functional structures and vessels inside the kidney. HUS is a serious illness and potentially fatal. More than 85 percent of patients with the most common form of HUS recover complete kidney function. What causes hemolytic uremic syndrome? HUS is more common during the summer months and may occ...

Topic Index Anatomy of the Urinary System Overview of Genitourinary Disorders Overview of Kidney Disorders Glossary Urology is a surgical specialty concerned with normal and abnormal problems of the kidney, renal, pelvis, ureter, bladder, urethra, penis, and vagina in both genders. Urogenital or genitourinary (GU) are words that refer to the urinary and genital organs. Nephrology is the medical specialty concerned with the kidneys. According to the American Urological Association, about 6 percent of gir...

Horseshoe Kidney What is a horseshoe kidney? Horseshoe kidney occurs in about one in 500 children. It occurs during fetal development as the kidneys move into their normal position in the flank area (area around the side, just above the waist). With horseshoe kidney, however, as the kidneys of the fetus rise from the pelvic area, they fuse together at the lower end or base. By fusing, they form a "U" shape, which gives it the name "horseshoe." One-third of individuals with horseshoe kidney will have at ...

Nephrotic Syndrome in Children What is nephrotic syndrome? Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms that result from changes that occur to the small, functional structures in the kidneys, such as: very high levels of protein in the urine low levels of protein in the blood due to its loss in the urine tissue swelling all over the body (edema) especially in the abdomen (ascites) high cholesterol levels in the blood decrease in frequency of urination weight gain from excess fluid What ...

Nutrition and Nephrotic Syndrome Nutritional requirements for a child with nephrotic syndrome: Children with nephrotic syndrome may have trouble regulating their body's water balance. This can cause fluid retention (also known as edema). The diet for a child with nephrotic syndrome may include a sodium and fluid restriction. These restrictions in the diet may help to regulate your child's fluid balance. Any food that is liquid at room temperature counts as a fluid. This includes the following: milk, wat...

Nutrition and Renal Failure The kidneys are responsible for many functions in the body. They help control the body's fluid and electrolyte (mineral) balance and also help the body remove waste products (products that the body cannot use). When the kidneys are not functioning properly, these waste products can build up in the body and make your child feel sick. This can cause your child to have a poor appetite, which can contribute to poor growth and development. The goal of the diet for children with re...

Online Resources - Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Th...

Overview of Kidney Disorders in Children How do the kidneys work? Click Image to Enlarge The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has taken the food that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidneys and urinary system keep chemicals, such as potassium and sodium, and water in balance by removing a type of waste, called urea, from the blood. Urea is produced when foods containing protein, such as meat, poultry, and certain veget...

Overview of Renal Failure What is renal failure? Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two different types of renal failure - acute and chronic. Acute renal failure has an abrupt onset and is potentially reversible. Chronic failure progresses slowly over at least three months and can lead to permanent renal failure. The causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes of acute and chronic are different. Conditions that ma...

Phosphorus Restriction Controlling phosphorus in your child's diet: Most children with renal failure need to limit the amount of phosphorus in foods they eat. The kidneys help remove excess phosphorus from your child's body. If the kidneys are not working well, excess phosphorus builds up in the bloodstream and can cause calcium to leave the bones. This can make your child's bones weak and easy to break. What foods are high in phosphorus? The following foods are high in phosphorous and should be restric...

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys. PKD cysts can reduce kidney function, leading to kidney failure. PKD can also cause cysts in the liver and problems in other organs, such as the heart and blood vessels in the brain. PKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure and affects approximately 600,000 people in the US. According to the...

Potassium Restriction Potassium requirements for children with renal failure: Potassium is very important to the body, but too much potassium in the blood can be harmful. When your child's kidneys do not work well, too much potassium can build up in the blood. Your child's body receives potassium from the foods he/she eats. If your child is having trouble maintaining a normal potassium level, then it may be necessary for him/her to limit or avoid foods with high amounts of potassium. What foods are high...

Protein Restriction Protein requirements for children with renal failure: The body uses protein from foods to grow and repair cells. With kidney failure, your child will need to avoid excess protein. The kidneys may not be able to get rid of the waste products that come from eating too much protein. However, it is also important for your child to get enough protein for proper growth and nutrition. Your child's weight, medical condition, type of treatment, and laboratory values will be factors in determi...

Renal Failure Diseases of the kidneys often produce temporary or permanent changes to the small functional structures and vessels inside the kidney. Frequent urinary tract infections can cause scarring to these structures leading to renal failure. Acute renal failure has an abrupt onset and is potentially reversible. Chronic failure progresses slowly over at least three months and can lead to permanent renal failure. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding renal failure, f...

Sodium and Fluid Restriction Sodium restriction for children with renal failure: A low-sodium diet or salt restriction may be used to help prevent or reduce fluid retention in your child's body. The amount of sodium or salt allowed in your child's diet depends on your child's medical condition. Your child's physician or dietitian will determine the amount of sodium allowed in your child's diet. This is usually expressed in milligrams (mg) per day. Some common sodium restrictions include 2,000, 3,000, or...

Topic Index - Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders Home Anatomy of the Urinary System Overview of Genitourinary Disorders Ambiguous Genitalia Exstrophy of the Bladder and Epispadias Male Conditions Overview of the Male Anatomy Circumcision Hydrocele Hypospadias Inguinal Hernia Micropenis Phimosis and Paraphimosis Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) Testicular Torsion Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism) Megaureter Neurogenic Bladder Prune Belly Syndrome Ureterocele and Ureter...

Dialysis What is dialysis? Dialysis is a procedure that is performed routinely on persons who suffer from acute or chronic renal failure. The process involves removing waste substances and fluid from the blood that are normally eliminated by the kidneys. Dialysis may also be used for individuals who have been exposed to or ingested toxic substances to prevent renal failure from occurring. There are two types of dialysis that may be performed on your child: peritoneal or hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis...

Kidney Transplantation What is a kidney transplant? A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from another person. The kidney may come from a deceased organ donor or from a living donor. Family members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may be able to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living transplant. Individuals who donate a kidney can live healthy lives with the remaining kidney. A perso...

The Kidneys To learn more about the intricate process of kidney transplantation, it is important to first learn about the kidneys and their components. Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding the anatomy of the urinary system and kidney transplantation, for which we have provided a brief overview. Anatomy and Function of the Urinary System Kidney Transplantation

Kidney Disorders There are many disorders of the kidney that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Kidney Disorders Analgesic Nephropathy End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Glomerulonephritis Glomerulosclerosis Goodpasture Syndrome Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Syndrome Kidney Cancer Kidney Stones Kidney Transplantation Nephrotic Syndrome Poly...

Overview of Kidney Disorders How do the kidneys work? Click Image to Enlarge The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has taken the food that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidneys and urinary system keep chemicals, such as potassium and sodium, and water in balance by removing a type of waste, called urea, from the blood. Urea is produced when foods containing protein, such as meat, poultry, and certain vegetables, are b...

Renal Vascular Disease What is renal vascular disease? Renal vascular disease is the name given to a variety of complications that affect the arteries and veins of the kidneys. These complications affect the blood circulation of the kidneys, and may cause damage to the tissues of the kidneys, kidney failure, and/or high blood pressure. Vascular conditions affecting the renal arteries and veins include the following: renal artery stenosis Renal artery stenosis is a blockage of an artery to the kidneys. I...

Analgesic Nephropathy Click Image to Enlarge What is analgesic nephropathy? An analgesic is any medicine intended to alleviate pain. Over-the-counter analgesics include the following: aspirin acetaminophen ibuprofen naproxen sodium Some conditions make taking these common painkillers dangerous for the kidneys. Taking one, or a combination of, these drugs regularly over a long period of time may increase the risk of kidney problems. Analgesic nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease that gradually leads t...

Anatomy of the Urinary System Click Image to Enlarge How do the kidneys and urinary system work? The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has taken the food that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidney and urinary systems keep chemicals, such as potassium and sodium, and water in balance and remove a type of waste, called urea, from the blood. Urea is produced when foods containing protein, such as meat, poultry, and certai...

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Click Image to Enlarge What is renal failure? Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two different types of renal failure - acute and chronic. Acute renal failure has an abrupt onset and is potentially reversible. Chronic failure progresses slowly over at least three months and can lead to permanent renal failure. The causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes of acute and chronic are d...

Glomerulonephritis Click Image to Enlarge What is glomerulonephritis? Glomerulonephritis is a type of glomerular kidney disease in which the kidneys' filters (called glomeruli composed of tiny blood vessels) become inflamed and scarred, and slowly lose their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. Types of glomerulonephritis include kidney disease of diabetes, IgA nephropathy, and lupus nephritis. What are the symptoms of glomerulonephritis? The kidneys can be severely da...

Glomerulosclerosis Click Image to Enlarge What is glomerulosclerosis? Glomerulosclerosis is the term used to describe scarring that occurs within the kidneys in the small balls of tiny blood vessels called the glomeruli. The glomeruli assist the kidneys in filtering urine from the blood. What causes glomerulosclerosis? Glomerulosclerosis may develop in children or adults, and may result from different types of kidney conditions as well as diabetes. What are the symptoms of glomerulosclerosis? Early stag...

Glossary - Urology | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] analgesic - any drug intended to alleviate pain. anus - opening at the end of the digestive tract where bowel contents leave the body. B [return to top] balloon urethroplasty - a thin tube with a balloon is inserted into the opening of the penis and guided to the narrowed portion of the urethra, where the balloon ...

Goodpasture Syndrome Click Image to Enlarge What is Goodpasture syndrome? Goodpasture syndrome is a rare, autoimmune disease that can affect the lungs and kidneys. Normally, the immune system creates antibodies to fight off germs. With Goodpasture syndrome, however, the immune system makes antibodies that attack the lungs and kidneys, instead of the germs. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, this condition may last anywhere from a few weeks to as long as two...

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine) What is hematuria? Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine. Often, the urine appears normal to the naked eye, but examination under a microscope shows a high number of RBCs. In gross hematuria, the urine is red or the color of cola, which can be seen with the naked eye. What causes hematuria? Most of the causes are not serious, but, because hematuria may be the result of a tumor, or other serious problem, a physician should be consulted. Many peopl...

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Click Image to Enlarge What is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)? Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare condition that mostly affects children under the age of 10. It is often characterized by: damage to the lining of blood vessel walls destruction of red blood cells kidney failure What causes HUS? Most cases of HUS occur after an infection in the digestive tract caused by the E. coli bacterium. Diarrhea and upper respiratory infections are the most common precipitating factors in ...

Topic Index Anatomy of the Kidneys and Urinary System Kidney Disorders Urinary System Disorders Glossary Urology is the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary tract in both genders, and with the genital tract or reproductive system in the male. Urogenital is a word that refers to the urinary and genital organs. The medical specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology specializes in the reproduction (genital) system of females. Nephrology is the medical specialty concerned with the kidneys. According to...

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy Click Image to Enlarge What is IgA nephropathy? IgA nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease that may progress over a period of 10 to 20 years, and can lead to end-stage renal disease. It is caused by deposits of the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) inside the glomeruli (filters) within the kidney. These glomeruli normally filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine. However, the IgA protein prevents this filtering process. This may ...

Kidney Cancer Click Image to Enlarge What is kidney cancer? Most cancers are named after the part of the body where the cancer first begins, and kidney cancer is no exception. Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys - two large, bean-shaped organs - one located to the left, and the other to the right of the backbone. Renal is the Latin word for kidney, and kidney cancer may also be referred to as renal cancer. About 57,760 persons in the US are expected to be diagnosed with kidney and pelvic renal cancers i...

Kidney Stones Click Image to Enlarge What is a kidney stone? A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms from crystallization of excreted substances in the urine. The stone may remain in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinary tract. A small stone may pass all of the way out of the body, but a larger stone can get stuck in a ureter, the bladder, or the urethra. This may block the flow of urine and cause great pain. A kidney stone may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as...

Kidney Transplantation Click Image to Enlarge What is a kidney transplant? A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from another person. The kidney may come from a deceased organ donor or from a living donor. Family members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may be able to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living transplant. Individuals who donate a kidney can live healthy lives with the re...

Nephrotic Syndrome Click Image to Enlarge What is nephrotic syndrome? Nephrotic syndrome is a condition often characterized by the following: very high levels of protein in the urine low levels of protein in the blood swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands high cholesterol What causes nephrotic syndrome? Generally, nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys' glomeruli - the tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urin...

Online Resources - Urology This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains links to other World Wide ...

Polycystic Kidney Disease Click Image to Enlarge What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys. PKD cysts can reduce kidney function, leading to kidney failure. PKD can also cause cysts in the liver and problems in other organs, such as the heart and blood vessels in the brain. PKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure and affects approximately 600,000 people in the US....

Topic Index - Urology Kidney and Urinary System Disorders Home Anatomy of the Kidneys and Urinary System Kidney Disorders Overview of Kidney Disorders Analgesic Nephropathy End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Glomerulonephritis Glomerulosclerosis Goodpasture Syndrome Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy Kidney Cancer Kidney Stones Kidney Transplantation Nephrotic Syndrome Polycystic Kidney Disease Renal Vascular Disease Urinary System Disorders Overview of Urinary/Urogenital System Di...

Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease) What is diabetic nephropathy? Nephropathy is the deterioration of the kidneys. The final stage of nephropathy is called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD. Diabetes is the most common cause of ESRD, accounting for about 44 percent of cases. About 24 million people in the US have diabetes, and more than 180,000 people have ESRD as a result of diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy, although type 1 is more likely to lead to ESRD. Ther...

The Warning Signs of Kidney Disease Kidney disease is a stealth illness. It may often be silent for many years -- until it has reached an advanced stage. When you get a checkup, it's important to make sure your health care provider includes tests of your kidney function, experts say. This is especially true if you have some of the conditions that can increase your risk for kidney disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Two simple blood tests, blood-urea-nitrogen and serum creatinine level, an...

What Are the Kidneys? Your kidneys are located near the back of your torso, about even with the lowest ribs. One kidney is on either side of the spine. Their main job is to clean the blood of waste products created when your body burns fuel. But they also perform other tasks. For example, they help regulate the amount of fluid in your body. If you were to drink five quarts of fluid one day and just a pint the next, your kidneys would keep your body's water levels in balance despite the vast differences ...

Keep Your Kidneys Working Well Your kidneys are your body's filters. They remove waste and excess fluid from your blood. People who have high blood pressure and diabetes are at higher risk for kidney disease because of the way these conditions damage the blood vessels and other parts of these vital organs. An important job The kidneys work by cleaning your blood as it passes through tiny filtering units known as nephrons. These filters process important chemicals and nutrients, and they remove wastes su...