Managing CKD and Related Kidney Conditions

Detect, monitor, and manage chronic kidney disease and related kidney conditions

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a silent threat because it does not cause pain in early stages and usually remains unnoticed by the patient. Kidney disease often develops as a secondary complication of other common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, or autoimmune disease. Alarmingly, the rising prevalence of diabetes worldwide will place even more individuals at risk for developing kidney disease.

CKD is the primary risk factor for end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death. It also puts people at increased risk for acute kidney injury. Early screening, detection, and treatment are critical in preventing further progression of the disease.

Acute Kidney Injury

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is the rapid loss of kidney function. It may be recognized when a person suddenly produces urine much less frequently and/or has a dramatic increase in the level of waste products in the blood that the kidneys normally filter out, and is often the result of trauma, illness, or a medication that damages the kidneys. It is most common in people who are already hospitalized, such as those who are critically ill and in the intensive care unit.

AKI is preventable and treatable, often with few, if any, long-term health consequences. However, if the damage caused by AKI persists, it can eventually progress to chronic kidney disease. AKI can also affect other organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs.1 Early detection and treatment of patients at risk for developing the disease are critical to improve patient outcomes.

End-Stage Renal Disease

End-stage kidney or renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease in which the kidneys no longer function well enough to meet the needs of daily life. People with diabetes or hypertension have the highest risk of developing ESRD.

Assessment of Kidney Function

With the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease, it’s important that physicians have the right test at the right stage for early detection and monitoring of this worldwide public-health problem. High-risk individuals should be monitored regularly for CKD. An assessment of CKD can be achieved by measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. eGFR is a measure of kidney function, while albuminuria can be an early sign of kidney disease or kidney damage.2 Patients suffering from CKD should be monitored at least annually, and more frequently for individuals at higher risk of progression or where measurement might affect therapeutic decisions.3


Left untreated, complications may affect the proper functioning of all organ systems, increasing the likelihood for progressive kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. This whitepaper presents the CKD continuum and markers.


Our comprehensive testing for kidney-disease management ranges from simple in-office tests used to detect early signs of kidney disease to accurate and reliable estimation of residual renal function in dialysis patients. Our extensive portfolio of solutions includes:

Early Detection

ACR (urine)
eGFR creatinine
eGFR cystatin C

Differential Diagnosis

Urea nitrogen
IgG (urine)
α1-microglobulin (urine)
α2-macroglobulin (urine)*
ß2-microglobulin
Transferrin (urine)
Free light chains
Total light chains* (urine)
PTH

HbA1c
Glucose

Cardiac troponin
BNP
NT-proBNP
Lipids, total cholesterol
HDL, cholesterol
LDL, cholesterol
Triglycerides

Hemoglobin
Erythropoietin (EPO)
Ferritin
Folate
Hemopexin
Iron
Vitamin B12

Phosphorus
Calcium
Vitamin D total
Intact PTH
Fibroblast growth factor

End-stage Renal Disease

Beta-trace protein*

Acute Kidney Injury

Creatinine