Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis: Test and Diagnosis

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.

  • Small blood count
  • Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment, urine culture if necessary (pathogen detection and resistogram, i.e. testing suitable antibiotics for sensitivity/resistance).
  • Assessment of erythrocyte morphology [dysmorphic erythrocytes (malformed red blood cells): especially acanthocytes (= erythrocytes with “Mickey Mouse ears”); acanthocytes are an expression of glomerular hemorrhage; occurrence of erythrocyte cylinders].
  • Electrolytes – sodium, potassium
  • Serum protein
  • Serum electrophoresis – to determine the proportions of the various proteins (protein fractions).
  • Renal parameters – urea, creatinine.
  • 24-h urine volume – to determine creatinine clearance and proteinuria differentiation.
  • Uric acid
  • Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides.
  • Anti-GBM (glomerular basement membrane).
  • C3 nephritis factor
  • C-ANCA
  • P-ANCA

Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.

  • Immune complexes