Algorithm of early detection and diagnosis of CKD

CKD is a common, harmful but treatable disease. Since the number of CKD patients is huge, the efficient and practical measures for early detection and diagnosis are needed. To achieve this goal, systematic screening and collaborative work between nephrologists and primary care physicians should be established. Urinalysis, especially urinary protein detection, and measurement of serum creatinine level (estimation of GFR) are the two major tests to detect CKD. These two clinical tests should be done for those people who have higher risk of CKD, i.e., those with diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, obesity, family history of CKD. Urine testing for general population is also necessary to detect glomerulonephritis. The earlier CKD is diagnosed, the better the outcome is.