Simple Test May Reveal Serious Kidney Problem

Philadelphia (CBS) - There are all sorts of lab tests we can order on patients to find out things. In fact one of the big problems in health care is that we often order way too many at too much cost. But a simple and relatively inexpensive option is a urinalysis.

A urinalysis can be done in the office and can tell us many things--for instance is there a blood sugar problem or an infection.

One of the most critical pieces of information is if there is protein in the urine. This is called proteinuria.

The kidneys' job is to remove waste from the blood. This waste leaves the body as urine. Usually proteins are too big to get into the urine but sometimes proteins can leak into the urine. Usually it is harmless but sometimes it can be caused by kidney problems. The problems that are not a big worry are fever, dehydration, exercise or exposure to cold temperatures. But when it does not go away we become concerned it is a kidney issue and this simple test can stop big problems from happening.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor