Diagnosis of Pyelonephritis


The diagnosis of Pyelonephritis is usually made in a clinical setting. The doctor gives you a physical examination and finds out if you are experiencing physical pain anywhere in your body – especially your sides, abdominal region and the back. The doctor also checks for tenderness and external trauma that may have damaged the kidneys. You will be asked to give your medical history to the doctor to look for any recent infections in the urinary tract.

The doctor will then give you a blood test – usually a complete blood count along with a routine urinary examination. The presence of bacteria in your urine may lead the doctor to recommend a urine culture. This is done to identify the infection causing bacteria, presence of white and red blood cells in the urine, casts and pus. Your doctor may also order X-rays and CT scans of your lower abdomen and pelvis to check for any abnormalities or structural anomalies.

There are some other tests for pyelonephritis that the doctor may recommend. These may include a pelvic examination as well as a vaginal exam for women. 
Frequently asked questions
References
  1. George Ward, Robert C Jorden, Harry W Severance, Treatment of pyelonephritis in an observation unit, Annals of Emergency Medicine, Volume 20, Issue 3, March 1991, Pages 258-261, ISSN 0196-0644, 10.1016/S0196-0644(05)80935-7.
  2. Delia Scholes, Thomas R. Hawn, Pacita L. Roberts, Sue S. Li, Ann E. Stapleton, Lue-Ping Zhao, Walter E. Stamm, Thomas M. Hooton, Family History and Risk of Recurrent Cystitis and Pyelonephritis in Women, The Journal of Urology, Volume 184, Issue 2, August 2010, Pages 564-569, ISSN 0022-5347, 10.1016/j.juro.2010.03.139.
  3. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0301/p933.html