When are you are at your doctor's office, if PKD is suspected, there are three ways they can confirm diagnosis. The first is through ultrasound: a wand-like instrument is placed on your abdomen, and emits sound waves that move through your body. The sound waves are translated into imaging, so that the doctor can see what your kidneys look like. This way, they can see if there are multiple cysts, and what size they are. No preparation is required for the ultrasound.
Another option is with a computed tomography (CT) scan. You must lie still inside a machine as x-ray beams through your body. This beams are translated into cross-sectional images of your kidneys so that the doctor can see the insides of the kidney and what those look like in comparison to the outside images retrieved through ultrasound. The CT scan may require you to fast for several hours before the scan. This way, food will not interrupt the beams. You may also be asked to wear a hospital gown instead of your usual clothing. A certain type of dye must be administered to you so that the beams can interact with it and give the best image possible. This may be administered as a drink, or through IV injection. It will be up to your doctor.
Here is a short video to help you know what to expect:
http://bcove.me/33m4e0kq
Lastly, you can also have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done to retrieve more cross-sectional images of your kidneys. The CT and MRI use different imaging techniques, so they will both reveal slightly different images of your kidneys. Depending on your doctor's opinion, it may be beneficial to have both done to get a truly comprehensive view of the kidneys. The MRI exam allows you to continue your normal diet beforehand, although you will be asked to wear a hospital gown instead of your normal clothing.
Molecular genetic testing is also available for those who choose. This is still a somewhat expensive and controversial subject so please consult with your healthcare provider if it is something you may be interested in.
Barua M, and Pei, Y. Diagnosis of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease: an integrated approach. Seminar Nephrology. 2010, 30(4):356-65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20807608 Accessed 22 January 2015.
Polycystic Kidney Disease. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycystic-kidney-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028831 Accessed 22 January 2015
Ultrasound. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ultrasound/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20020341 Accessed 22 January 2015
CT Scan. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20014610 Accessed 22 January 2015
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