#kidney function tests

Understanding Kidney Function Tests: A Comprehensive Guide

Kidney function tests are essential diagnostic tools used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. These tests measure levels of waste products, electrolytes, and other substances in the blood to assess kidney health. Common tests include blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Early detection through these tests can help in the timely management of kidney diseases, ensuring better health outcomes.

The global kidney function tests market size is expected to reach USD 1.25 billion by 2028 registering a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The introduction of innovative products, increasing R&D investments, and growing prevalence of kidney diseases are expected to propel market growth over the forecast period. Key players operating in the market are involved in extensive R&D initiatives for the development and launch of novel products to strengthen their position in the market.

For instance, in August 2020, RenalytixAI, a U.K.-based in vitro diagnostics company, submitted a 510(k) application to the FDA for its new KidneyIntelX assay. It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled clinical diagnostic test designed to diagnose and enhance the clinical management of Type II diabetes patients with fast-progressing kidney disease. The emergence of such technologically advanced products is expected to impel market growth during the study period.

According to the data published by the CDC, in 2019, an estimated 15% of adults in the U.S. had Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The same source also stated that diabetes and high blood pressure are the major causes of CKD in adults, and CKD is more common in people aged 65 years or older. However, the low diagnosis rate of CKD is anticipated to be a major factor hampering the market growth. As per the data published by the National Kidney Foundation, approximately 90% of people suffering from CKD are not aware of it, leading to a limited number of diagnoses.

The acute and chronic kidney diseases, arterial hypertension and diabetes, as well as the prolonged use of certain medications and intoxication by some heavy metals, can irreversibly damage the kidneys and lead to a ' renal insufficiency. Any significant kidney damage that lasts more than three months and does not recede with the treatment can be considered chronic, therefore, what we call chronic renal failure is the effect of a progressive and slow decline in the ability of the kidneys to filter the blood and purify it from the waste products of the body's metabolism, especially that of protein substances.