How is the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis typically made?

The diagnosis of glomerulonephritis is primarily made through clinical symptoms and laboratory tests that help identify specific markers of kidney dysfunction. Patients usually present with symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and changes in urine color. Key findings in laboratory tests, including proteinuria (excess protein in urine) and hematuria (presence of blood in urine), are significant indicators of glomerular injury and help to confirm the diagnosis.

While patient history and physical examination provide valuable initial context, and genetic testing can be relevant in certain hereditary conditions associated with glomerulonephritis, the combination of clinical symptoms and lab tests is the most direct and effective approach for diagnosing this condition. Blood cultures and imaging studies are typically not central to the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis, as they are more useful in assessing other types of kidney issues or infections.