FAQs
What is the Kidney Score used for?
This score can tell your doctor how well your kidneys clean your blood. If, along with other tests, the Kidney Score indicates permanent kidney damage, you have chronic kidney disease.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
CKD is when your kidneys are not functioning properly. There are five levels of CKD ranging from early stages to most severe.
Undiagnosed chronic kidney disease can lead to:
- collection of water in legs or in lungs
- organ damage
- weak bones
- digestive tract disorders
- heart rhythm disturbances
- high blood pressure
- anemia
- premature death
Is CKD curable?
While CKD is not curable, the earlier it is detected, the better chance its progression can be stopped or slowed.
Is there a cost for the Kidney Score test?
No. It's a simple equation that many labs already provide, and that physicians can calculate using the results of blood creatinine test, age, race, gender and other factors.
Why haven't I heard about Kidney Score before?
Twenty years ago, cholesterol levels were all but unknown to the public. Through education and public awareness, cholesterol testing and treatment has become the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease.
As kidney disease becomes more and more prevalent throughout the United States, it's critical that early detection and treatment become part of daily baseline testing.