How is lupus nephritis diagnosed?
If you're experiencing kidney issues tied to your lupus flares, it's important to talk with your doctor about testing for lupus nephritis. The diagnosis typically involves several tests:
Urine tests can detect
- Protein in your urine (proteinuria), which makes urine appear foamy
- Blood in Show Full Answer
How is lupus nephritis diagnosed?
If you're experiencing kidney issues tied to your lupus flares, it's important to talk with your doctor about testing for lupus nephritis. The diagnosis typically involves several tests:
Urine tests can detect:
- Protein in your urine (proteinuria), which makes urine appear foamy
- Blood in your urine (hematuria)
Blood tests check for:
- High levels of creatinine, a waste product that healthy kidneys normally filter out
- Overall kidney function
Kidney biopsy may be performed:
- A small tissue sample is taken from your kidney
- Examined under a microscope to confirm inflammation and assess damage severity
- Usually done under light sedation in a hospital or outpatient center
Your doctor should also monitor your blood pressure, since kidney damage from lupus nephritis can cause hypertension. Since you're experiencing recurrent kidney infections and stones during flares, these could be signs of lupus nephritis. Other symptoms to watch for include swelling in your legs, feet, or face, frequent urination (especially at night), and weight gain.
It's worth noting that up to 50 percent of adults with lupus develop lupus nephritis, often within five years of lupus symptoms starting. Getting treatment early is very important to protect kidney function, so reach out to your doctor soon about these symptoms.
November 26, 2025
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