Screening for End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

by Michael Jubinville, MPH

The purpose of screening is to find a health problem early and treat it. Tests are given to people who do not have signs of a problem but may be at risk for 1.

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.

References:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dyname.... Updated January 18, 2019. Accessed July 8, 2019.

Murphree DD, Thelen SM. Chronic kidney disease in primary care. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010;23(4):542-550.

Quick reference guide on kidney disease screening. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/siemens_hcp_quickreference. Accessed July 8, 2019.

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 10/4/2019

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