Screening for End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Screening Guidelines

People who are at high risk for ESRD should have regular testing. Early diagnosis and care can delay problems later. High risk includes those who:

• Are aged 60 years and older
• Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
• Have other kidney problems such as polycystic kidney disease
• Have a family history of kidney disease
• Take medicines that harm the kidneys
• Have other health problems that harm the kidneys such as systemic lupus erythematosus
• Are of Black, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American descent

Screening Tests

Tests are done to see how well your kidneys are working. Screening includes:

• Blood tests—Looks for wastes that should be filtered out of the blood. High amounts may point to a problem.
• Urine tests to check for levels of certain minerals or proteins, or acid.

Your doctor will let you know how often you should be tested.