Stage 1 (eGFR = 90+)
First Signs of Kidney Damage
Kidneys are functioning well, but signs of initial damage are typically indicated by a protein called albumin³ detected in urine (albuminuria).
We’re dedicated to providing test results that empower earlier detection of CKD, support diagnoses, disease monitoring, and treatment decisions. Together, let’s raise awareness about kidney health risks and enable better patient care.
Every minute, a half cup of blood flows through tiny filters in the kidneys as they remove waste and extra water to make urine, help control blood pressure and provide the right balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood.
When kidneys are damaged—which is commonly caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and/or family history of kidney failure—these important organs gradually lose their ability to function properly. The initial signs and symptoms in the early stages of kidney disease can often progress unnoticed without laboratory testing.
CKD is classified in five stages of kidney damage. A simple laboratory test provides important information about kidney function. One test result is called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 2, a calculation that is used to determine how well the kidneys are filtering waste and help diagnose the stage of kidney disease. An eGFR of 100 or more (depending on a patient’s age) is considered to be about 100 percent of the expected function of healthy kidneys.
Stage 1 (eGFR = 90+)
Kidneys are functioning well, but signs of initial damage are typically indicated by a protein called albumin³ detected in urine (albuminuria).
Mild loss of kidney function is evident and albuminuria or other signs of kidney damage are also present.
Visible signs and symptoms, such as swelling, fatigue, reduced appetite, and other complications can occur in some patients, who must prepare for potential end-stage renal failure and dialysis.
Visible signs and symptoms, such as swelling, fatigue, reduced appetite, and other complications can occur in some patients, who must prepare for potential end-stage renal failure and dialysis.
Dialysis or a kidney transplant is required at this very serious stage
To support detection, diagnosis and management of kidney disease in your patients, we offer several inexpensive and widely available tests. Diagnostic tests assess two key markers: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR). Testing for these two markers can help evaluate patients at risk,4 while expanded tests can offer a more comprehensive assessment of closely related health concerns.
Gain insight into new strategies, tools and available resources available to help you manage patients at risk for CKD and potential associated cardiovascular events.
We are now using a new, race-free equation to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a test used to assess kidney function. This change supports health equity and improves health outcomes.
Patient screening requires serum (preferred) or plasma as well as urine samples; results are typically delivered within one day.
Diabetes is cited as the primary causative factor accounting for increased end-stage kidney disease.5
To encourage physicians to test their patients who have type 1 or 2 diabetes and meet the needs of kidney health evaluation, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) introduced a new HEDIS® measure called Kidney Health Evaluation for Patients with Diabetes.
Beyond diabetes and factors associated with age, race/ethnicity, obesity and family history, CKD risk factors can include patients with:
Cardiovascular diseases
Glomerular diseases
Cystic diseases
Tubulointerstitial diseases
Testing Once a Year
Kidney disease is typically asymptomatic in its earliest stages. The American Diabetes Association, the NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and many other endocrinology societies recommend testing patients with diabetes and hypertension at least annually to detect or monitor potential kidney damage.6-7
Currently, less than 50% of people with diabetes receive both tests for eGFR and uACR annually.8 Labcorp has partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to help address this significant gap in care by increasing awareness among health professionals.
Contact a Labcorp representative to learn more about our CKD testing options and sign up for the latest news on testing and treatment options.
Caring for your Patients
Kidney damage is generally irreversible, but early identification and interventions may help slow progression. Treatment of kidney disease often requires identifying the underlying cause to guide treatment. Management may involve controlling common complications associated with kidney disease, such as high blood pressure, anemia or mineral bone disorder, among others.
To assess responses to interventions, it is important to periodically monitor changes in eGFR and uACR with readily available, inexpensive laboratory testing. For patients with compete or near-complete kidney failure, dialysis and kidney transplant are the only options.