Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP™)

View the Educational PSA with Dr. Sandy Gibson

The Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) is a free kidney health screening that identifies individuals at increased risk for kidney disease and provides them with information and connects them to local healthcare services. Although diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney disease, there are other causes as well.  While everyone is at some risk for kidney disease, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are at higher risk.  View a complete list of risk factors.

There are five steps in the KEEP screening process:

Step 1: The participant registers

Step 2: The participant completes a personal & family medical history questionnaire

Step 3: The participant’s weight, height, and blood pressure are taken by a trained volunteer

Step 4: The participant's blood and urine samples are taken by an on-site nurse.  These samples allow for the testing of cholesterol levels, blood glucose (blood sugar);hemoglobin (anemia); microalbumin (protein in the urine); hematuria and pyuria (red and /or white blood cells in the urine); serum Creatinine, which measures how well the kidneys are filtering; and Creatinine clearance, which tests kidney function.  Taken together, these tests can reveal early signs of kidney disease.

Step 5: The participant meets with an on-site physician or nurse practitioner, for a personal consultation to review his/her test results.  Full lab results are then sent to the program participant within four to five weeks after the screening. 

The KEEP program is unique in that not only does it screen individuals at risk, it also provides a follow-up component.  For individuals whose test results are outside of the normal range, and who are identified as high risk but cannot afford healthcare, the Foundation's statewide Medical Advisory Board, along with the Virginia Primary Care Association, and the West Virginia Primary Care Association, serve as resources (Physician Referral Networks) to ensure that these individuals receive local medical treatment that fits their financial situation.

View details about kidney health screenings in your area.  If you would like to help arrange a KEEP in your area, please contact Eleanor Myers, Vice President of Programs at eleanorm@kidneyva.org .

KEEP^TM is funded through national educational grants from Ortho Biotech, Bayer Diagnostics, and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.  Consolidated Lab Services also provides medical supplies, although they are not a sponsor.  We are also grateful to our many generous local funders.