When to Consult a Nephrologist

The following is a list of values that may indicate whether a patient is at increased risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Kidney function may be severely compromised if CKD is not diagnosed early.

Finding this disease early and treating it can keep kidney disease from getting worse. It can also prevent complications like kidney failure, heart disease and premature death.

CKD may progress to kidney failure. CKD also increases your risk of having heart or blood vessel disease.

Groups at an increased risk for kidney disease:

• Have diabetes, have high blood-pressure, family history of CKD.
• Are over 60 years old.
• Are African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American.

Refer to a nephrologist if your patient fits the following values profile.

For more information on finding a nephrologist in our community, contact the Northwest Kidney Centers for a list of area nephrologists or use our physician finder.
Understanding tests values: 

Body Weight: A healthy weight is defined as the appropriate weight in relation to height.

This ratio of weight to height is known as the Body Mass Index (BMI).
<19…Underweight 19-24…Healthy weight 25–29…Overweight > = 30…Obese .

Obese persons are at increased risk of developing CKD.

Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and damage to the blood vessels. Patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk of developing CKD.

Category:Systolic (Top number) Diastolic (Bottom number)
Normal  Less than 120 Less than 80
Pre-hypertension  120-139 80-89

Stage 1 hypertension 140-159 90-99
Stage 2 hypertension 160 or higher 100 or higher

Blood Glucose Check: Blood glucose is the concentration of sugar in the blood.

This test is done to check for diabetes or prediabetes conditions.

A drop of blood placed on a glucose monitor is used to determine glucose value.

(No Known Diabetes/Fasting )

Less than 100 mg/dl ......... Normal

100-125 mg/dl ......... Impaired fasting glucose

More than or equal to 126 mg/dl ......... May indicate diabetes

(Non-Fasting)

Less than 140 mg/dl ......... Normal

More than or equal to 140 mg/dl ......... High

Greater than 200 mg/dl .......... May indicate diabetes

Total Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood. A high cholesterol level may increase risk of heart and circulation problems.

Less than 200 mg/dl ......... Normal
More than or equal to 200 mg/dl ......... Elevated 

Microalbuminuria: This is a sensitive test that can detect a small amount of protein in the urine, which may be an early sign of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Urine Protein: When your kidneys are damaged, protein leaks into your urine. Ongoing protein in the urine is an early sign of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Blood in the Urine: A dipstick test checks for blood in the urine. Blood is not normally found in the urine. Blood in the urine may also be a sign of kidney problems.

Glucose in the Urine: Glucose is not usually present in the urine. Glucose presence may be a sign of diabetes.

The results of the creatinine blood test should be used to estimate the patient's glomerular filtration rate, which tells how much kidney function remains.