10 Reasons to Get Tested for CKD

Kidney disease is a growing public health problem affecting an estimated 31 million American adults. Recent studies show that 1 in 9 adult Americans has chronic kidney disease (CKD), but most don’t know it. The good news is that if CKD is caught early, it may be possible to slow it down or even stop it altogether.

In people with CKD, the kidneys are less able to perform vital functions that help maintain overall health, including filtering wastes and excess fluids from the blood. In time, CKD may lead to kidney failure, in which case dialysis (blood cleaning) or a kidney transplant is needed to support life.

10 reasons to get screened for CKD:

1. If you want to take an active part in your health care decisions.
2. If you want to learn how your kidneys contribute to your overall health.
3. If you want to learn how well your kidneys function or if you show signs of kidney impairment.
4. If you have a family history of kidney disease.
5. If you have diabetes.
6. If you have high blood pressure, cholesterol or heart disease.
7. If you are overweight or obese.
8. If you are over age 60.
9. If you are African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native American.
10. If you smoke tobacco.

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above risk factors, The Kidney TRUST encourages you to get screened for chronic kidney disease.

The Kidney TRUST is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of kidney disease through public education and testing programs so that progression of CKD to kidney failure can be delayed or prevented. The TRUST’s rapid-testing program provides accurate information about CKD to participants in non-medical settings, such as large employers or community health fairs. Participants learn whether they show signs of kidney impairment and receive educational materials about CKD, including how to protect their kidney function. Participants whose results indicate signs of CKD are encouraged to seek medical follow-up.