The German guideline for the care of non-dialysis CKD in general practice recommends referral of a CKD patient to a specialist when CKD is first diagnosed with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to CKD epi of < 30 ml/min or with an eGFR of ≤ 60 ml/min with concomitant presence of albuminuria stage ≥ A2 (= albumin-creatinine ratio 30–300 mg/g), among others. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is chronic kidney disease.