There are two common tests that are used to detect kidney damage and to see how well your kidneys are working.

Blood test: Using a blood sample, a creatinine test measures the level of wastes in your blood, and is used to calculate your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR or just GFR). Your eGFR shows how well your kidneys are working to remove wastes from your body. It is the most common way to measure kidney function. The eGFR number roughly represents the percentage of kidney function remaining.

Urine test: A simple urine test is used to look for protein in your urine. Having protein in urine is usually a sign of kidney disease.
Other blood and urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound or a kidney biopsy may also be needed to diagnose the specific type of kidney disease and to decide the best treatment for you. However, these commonly ordered tests do not always provide sufficient information for adequate prognosis and management of CKD. High risk patients often get treated late and low risk patients get early and inappropriate treatment.
Klinrisk Score*: This score is built for all patients with kidney disease and can help with early identification of patients that are at risk of progressive kidney disease so that kidney disease progression can be prevented for a lifetime. Klinrisk equips health care providers with a powerful tool that assesses the risk of CKD progression so that patients at risk can reduce their chances of developing end-stage kidney disease.
*Please note: Currently, Klinrisk is only available in Ontario

There are different types of kidney diseases and conditions. Some people are born with kidney disease and others develop it as they grow older. Most diseases of the kidney attack the filtering units in the kidney which damages their ability to remove waste and excess fluids. There is no cure for CKD, but it may be possible to prevent it or slow it down. This is especially true in cases of people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure ‒ the leading causes of kidney failure.

You should get tested with Klinrisk if you have:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Glomerulonephritis (specific diseases causing kidney inflammation)
• Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic condition)
• Urinary tract obstruction (blockage of urine from the kidneys)
• Recurrent kidney stones
• Drug- and medication-induced kidney problems (illegal drugs and some over-the-counter and prescription medications can damage the kidneys)

Klinrisk is a screening tool for kidney disease in the early stages of disease progression. Your health care provider may order this test if you fall under the high-risk group categories as outlined in the ‘Who should get tested’ section above, or if you begin to develop any of the following symptoms associated with declining kidney function:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Puffiness of the eyes, hands and feet
• Bloody, cloudy or tea-colored urine
• Excessive foaming of the urine
• Frequent need to urinate during the night
• Passing less urine or difficulty urinating
• Fatigue, difficulty concentrating
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Persistent generalized itching

Klinrisk testing is completed by LifeLabs at a Patient Service Centre through collection of routine blood and urine samples. You will require a completed and signed test requisition from your health care provider.

You can download the Klinrisk requisition by clicking here

Please note:

• The Klinrisk test is currently available at LifeLabs’ locations in Ontario only.
• The Klinrisk test will be available in BC – in the Spring of 2024

Klinrisk test results will be provided directly to your health care provider for discussion with you. The report will indicate the probability of kidney function loss of up to 40% or kidney failure in the next 5 years. Risk categories and recommendations are also provided to alert patients and health care providers to complications of kidney disease, and associated care pathways recommended by clinical practice guidelines.

The Klinrisk score ranges from 0-100 and is split into the following categories:

• Low score: 0 to 5% risk over 5 years
• Medium score: 6 to 24% risk over 5 years
• High score: 25+% risk over 5 years

Patients with a high Klinrisk score are at increased risk but can work with their health care provider on a care plan focused on improving their kidney health.