Isn't it time for you to see a nephrologist?

A portable device for rapid diagnosis of kidney diseases has been developed

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

Scientists suggest using the new device as a tool for the primary diagnosis of chronic kidney diseases right in the doctor's office. The test determines the level of an important biomarker that indicates the first signs of organ damage.

Approximately 9% of the world's population lives with chronic kidney disease. Earlier detection of the disease is key to slowing its progression, so scientists from Flinders University (Australia) sought to develop a simple and cheap test to assess kidney function during a doctor's examination. The first prototype of their diagnostic device showed high efficiency in assessing the level of albumin in urine.

An increased level of albumin in the urine indicates ineffective filtration of blood proteins by the kidneys and is one of the earliest signs of kidney dysfunction, scientists explain. Now it will be possible to assess the level of this important biomarker right in the doctor's office with the help of a new biosensor.

Scientists have confirmed that the accuracy of the device is not inferior to standard assessment methods. Testing and interpretation are performed automatically.

Article by Pham et al. Developing a fluorescent sensing based portable medical open-platform – a case study for albuminuria measurement in chronic kidney disease screening and monitoring published in the journal Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research – VM.

"The introduction of the device into clinical practice will help early detection of chronic kidney diseases, which is necessary to slow their progression," commented co—author Karen Reynolds. First of all, scientists hope to use the device in rural areas with limited medical care.

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