1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Small blood count
- Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, blood), sediment, if necessary urine culture (pathogen detection and resistogram, i.e. testing of suitable antibiotics for sensitivity/resistance).
- Erythrocyte morphology (shape of the erythrocytes / red blood cells) by phase contrast microscopy [dysmorphic erythrocytes (malformed red blood cells): especially acanthocytes (= erythrocytes with “Mickey Mouse ears”); acanthocytes are an expression of glomerular bleeding].
- Electrolytes – sodium, potassium
- Serum protein
- 24-h urine volume to determine creatinine clearance and proteinuria differentiation [rapid loss of GFR (glomerular filtration rate/total volume of primary urine produced by all glomeruli (renal corpuscles) of both kidneys combined per time)].
- Renal parameters – urea, creatinine, cystatin C or creatinine clearance, as appropriate.
- Serum electrophoresis – to determine the proportions of the various proteins (protein fractions).
- Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides.
- Uric acid
- Autoimmune serology: antibodies against GBM (glomerular basement membrane), pANCA (anti-MPO-AK), cANCA (anti-PR3-AK), ANA (auto-Ak (IgG) against cell nuclear antigens), anti-ds-DNA, Sm-AK.
- Complement (C3, C4)
- Cryoglobulins
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- ASL (anti-streptolysin).
- Immunoglobulins hepatitis B + C serology.
