How do i know if my kidneys are being affected by lupus? my rheumo. only does blood work every 3-4 months shouldnt ua be done

Blood work important: Depending on what your rheumatologist is ordering, blood work contains a great deal of information as well. For example, kidney function is most often evaluated by blood work. A urinalysis will tell the concentration, ph, presence of white or red blood cells and protein, among other things. Thus, it is not always necessary to order a urinalysis.

Yes: Urinalysis is an essential part of the diagnostic testing to diagnose and follow lupus and many other diseases.

Spot urine protein: Testing a urine sample for "spot" urine protein and creatinine is a very useful screen for elevated urine protein and for active kidney disease in patients with lupus. The ratio of spot urine protein:creatinine should be less than 0.1, which estimates 100mg or less protein spilled in a day's worth of urine. A ratio greater than 0.1 could indicate higher than normal spilling of protein in the urine

Yes-urine tests: Urine analysis can reveal blood cells and protein which will point towards kidney involvement by lupus.Blood test- serum creatinine will rise if there is kidney involvement. Urinalysis /urine protein/creatinine ratio should be done atleast once a year for evaluation