Which laboratory tests does the KDOQI 2012 guidelines recommend for screening patients with diabetes for diabetic nephropathy?

The KDOQI 2012 guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection and management of diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes. To effectively screen for diabetic nephropathy, the guidelines recommend assessing both urine for microalbuminuria and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Urine for microalbuminuria is a critical test as it detects small amounts of albumin in the urine, which is one of the earliest signs of kidney damage in diabetic patients. Identifying microalbuminuria allows for timely interventions that can slow the progression of nephropathy.

The eGFR is used to assess overall kidney function. This measurement estimates how well the kidneys are filtering blood, and a decrease in eGFR could indicate declining kidney function. Combining these two tests provides a comprehensive evaluation of kidney health in individuals with diabetes, which is vital for preventing or managing complications associated with diabetic nephropathy.

The other choices do not encompass the recommended combination for screening established by the KDOQI guidelines, which focuses specifically on the urinary protein levels and kidney function indicators necessary for diagnosing nephropathy in diabetic patients.