Innovative Rapid Kidney Test Under Development for Early Detection and Monitoring

Researchers from RMIT University and Australian company Nexsen Limited are advancing a new, simple blood test designed to detect kidney disease at much earlier stages than current methods allow. This innovative diagnostic aims to identify acute kidney injury (AKI) hours faster than traditional tests, enabling timely intervention that can prevent progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nearly one-third of patients in intensive care develop AKI, which is often difficult to diagnose early. Additionally, approximately 13% of the global population live with CKD, a leading cause of premature death.

The new test utilizes ultrasensitive platform technology to detect damage in the kidneys more efficiently and cost-effectively than existing pathology-based approaches. It could significantly improve patient outcomes by facilitating earlier treatments, reducing the risk of irreversible damage.

Currently, diagnosing kidney injury relies on measuring serum creatinine and urine output, which typically takes hours or days for noticeable changes, delaying critical treatment. The novel blood tests being developed aim to directly assess structural damage within the kidneys, providing a more immediate picture of injury.

Dr. Vipul Bansal, director of RMIT's NanoBioSensing Facility, highlighted that early detection could transform kidney care, especially in emergency settings. The team is also developing at-home monitoring solutions for chronic kidney disease, akin to blood glucose tests used by diabetics, for over 850 million patients worldwide.

The collaboration has received funding of AUD $1.125 million to accelerate the development of these point-of-care tests. The platform technology has already been successfully applied to detect Group B Streptococcus bacteria, and the team has initiated clinical trials in Melbourne. Nexsen's leadership emphasized that these new diagnostic tools could be used in hospitals, clinics, and homes, addressing critical unmet needs in kidney disease management.

This innovative approach represents a significant step toward more timely, affordable, and accessible kidney health monitoring, with the potential to save many lives through earlier intervention.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-rapid-kidney-early-intervention-simple.html