Chronic kidney disease — early detection

Published on 07 Oct 2022
Last Updated on 07 Oct 2022

This ACE Clinical Guidance (ACG) highlights the importance of early identification of patients at increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), providing evidence-based recommendations for timely detection, diagnosis, and staging of CKD.

Download the ACG

CKD – early detection (Oct 2022) [PDF]

ACG Recommendations

1. Identify patients at increased risk of CKD by assessing their risk factors and determine the need to evaluate for CKD.

2. Diagnose CKD if any of the following is present for at least three months:

   1. GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2

   2. UACR ≥ 3 mg/mmol (≥ 30 mg/g)

   3. Other marker of kidney damage

3. Determine the stage of CKD based on GFR, UACR, and the cause(s) of CKD.

4. For patients diagnosed with CKD, discuss the diagnosis and management options with the patient.

5. For patients who do not have CKD but are at increased risk, monitor for CKD regularly.

6. Referral to a specialist could be made at any point.

ACG references

CKD – early detection References (Oct 2022) [PDF]