Cost-Effective CKD Screening: Urine Test Strips with ACR Readout Show Promise, Study finds
Belgium: A recent study has highlighted the effectiveness of urine test strips with an albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) readout as a valuable tool for chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening, particularly in low-risk individuals.
The findings published in BMC Nephrology demonstrated that urine test strip analysis is an effective screening tool for chronic kidney disease in low-risk individuals, with the albumin-to-creatinine ratio exhibiting greater sensitivity and specificity in detecting albuminuria than the protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR).
Early detection of CKD is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. While traditional dipstick proteinuria tests are commonly used, they may lack specificity in identifying at-risk individuals. In recent years, test strip analysis has gained attention as a cost-effective screening method for albuminuria, with studies demonstrating promising sensitivity and specificity. However, many of these studies were conducted in mixed cohorts, including both diagnosed and undiagnosed CKD patients or cases with unclear CKD status. Given these challenges, researchers emphasize the critical role of clinical laboratories in ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring.
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