11. Laboratory Standards in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Therapy

CKD could be simplified classified in two major groups: diabetic and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease. (Table 11.1.) (2). The diagnosis of CKD is based on level of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and by some of the markers of kidney damage. Differential diagnosis of CKD is based on the history, physical examination and laboratory evaluation. Proteinuria is the principal marker of kidney damage. Moreover proteinuria, i.e. albuminuria is a powerful marker of progressive kidney function decline (3). There are also some other markers of kidney damage like hematuria, abnormalities in urine sediment, abnormal findings on imaging studies, e.g. ultrasound etc.