Dr Henry Wu from the Kolling Institute Renal Research Lab
game-changing test on the way for kidney disease Chronic kidney disease is often not diagnosed until it’s well advanced, but researchers at the Kolling Institute are developing a convenient and painless test to diagnose the progressive disease. Their research comes as the number of people with kidney disease continues to escalate, with more than 11 per cent of Australians currently affected. It is a progressive disease which eventually leads to kidney failure, and is fatal without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Currently, a kidney biopsy is required to confirm a diagnosis, but this procedure brings inherent risks such as bleeding and pain. A non-invasive approach is critically needed. There are some blood and urine tests which can detect advanced stages of the disease, but early detection remains challenging. Researchers have developed and continue to improve a urine test which provides accurate information for early diagnosis. This novel test assesses colour properties of kidney cells exfoliated from the kidney into urine. Encouragingly, this exciting new technology avoids the risk of an invasive biopsy procedure. Head of the Kolling’s Renal Research Lab Professor Carol Pollock said this approach provides clear information about kidney pathology by examining kidney cells in urine through a liquid biopsy. “Having the ability to diagnose chronic kidney disease with a simple urine test represents a major step forward,” she said. “It means patients with chronic kidney disease or those who have a high risk of disease can receive timely management.” Project co-lead Associate Professor Sonia Saad said the non-invasive test would also provide information on the effectiveness of drugs and other treatments over time. “We look forward to applying our test for wider use within the nephrology setting, such as monitoring complications in patients who receive a kidney transplant.” PhD student Dr Henry Wu said it had been rewarding to help develop the test and progress the use of artifical intelligence (AI) within the nephrology field.
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 16| 23 AUGUST 2024
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