Suboptimal Screening for Albuminuria

Expert discusses how screening for both albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is crucial for identifying chronic kidney disease (CKD) early, yet testing rates remain suboptimal. Albuminuria often precedes eGFR decline, making dual screening vital for early diagnosis. However, inconsistent practices and low provider awareness contribute to missed opportunities.

Expert discusses how barriers to optimal screening include inadequate guideline adoption, limited lab integration in primary care, and patient hesitancy due to lack of education. These systemic gaps lead to underdiagnosis, especially in high-risk populations such as those with diabetes or hypertension.

Expert discusses how increasing routine albuminuria testing requires systemic change — embedding guideline reminders in electronic health records, incentivizing compliance and expanding outreach programs to both clinicians and patients..