Chp7: Laboratory Tests and Clinical Procedures

BUN (blood urea nitrogen)

measurement of urea levels in blood

creatinine clearance

measurement of the rate at which creatinine is cleared from the blood by the kidney

cystatin C

blood test for a protein produced by body cells

CT urography

x-ray images obtained using computed tomography (CT) show multiple cross-sectional and other views of the kidney

KUB (kidneys, ureters, and bladder)

x-ray examination (without contrast) of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder

renal angiography

x-ray examination (with contrast) of the blood vessels of the kidney

retrograde pyelgram (RP)

x-ray image of the renal pelvis and ureters after injection of contrast through a urinary catheter into the ureters from the bladder

voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)

x-ray image (with contrast) of the urinary bladder and urethra obtained while the patient is voiding

ultrasonography

imaging of urinary tract structures using high-frequency sound waves

radiosotope scan

image of the kidney obtained after injecting a radioactive substance (radiosotope) into the bloodstream

MRI urography

changing magnetic field produces images of the kidney and surrounding structures in three planes of body

cystoscopy

direct visualization of the urethra and urinary bladder with an endoscope (cystoscope)

dialysis

process of separating nitrogenous waste materials from the blood

lithotripsy

urinary tract stones are crushed

renal angioplasty

dilation of narrowed areas (stenosis) in renal arteries

renal biopsy

removal of kidney, tissue for microscopic examination

renal transplantation

surgical transfer of a kidney from a donor to a recipient

urinary catheterization

passage of a flexible, tubular instrument through the urethra into the urinary bladder