Chronic Kidney Disease

Klinrisk identifies progressive kidney disease early, enabling prevention of late stage disease and reduction of healthcare costs

The Problem

1 in 3 US adults have or are at risk for CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and resultant end-stage renal disease (ESRD) account for roughly 10% of annual Medicare spending (~$8B) in the US

Patients with CKD undergo lab tests at every visit, but these data are not used to predict progression risk or personalize care. High risk patients are often unrecognized until more than 50% of their kidney function is lost.

Dialysis can be avoided for 80% high risk patients with early detection and treatment

Line graph illustrating eGFR decline in high-risk patients, with and without treatment, over age from 50 to 85. The solid line represents eGFR without treatment, and the dashed line represents eGFR with treatment. The graph shows slower decline with treatment, and a highlighted section indicates dialysis starting around age 64 to 85.

Effective intervention can save >$1,500 per member per month for each high risk patient

What is the Klinrisk CKD Progression Risk Score?

The Klinrisk 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.

Medical lab report showing kidney function risk assessment with a risk level of 51% high, patient information, and clinical decision support details.
Clinical risk prediction chart showing the relationship between predicted risk and actual risk over 5 years, with high, medium, and low risk categories in different colors.

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. 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.

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

1) 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.

2) 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.

Graphic illustration of a human heart depicted with black neon line art, with a stethoscope forming the shape of the heart.

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term used to describe a gradually reduced kidney function lasting for three months or more. It is caused by a number of conditions or diseases that damage kidneys. CKD can range from mild to severe and in some cases can lead to kidney failure which is also called end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney disease often starts slowly and develops without symptoms over several years. You may not even know you have CKD until your kidney function is quite low. Fortunately, most people do not progress to end-stage kidney disease and when kidney disease is found early, you can take steps to look after your remaining kidney function.

  • 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.

    Patients should be tested for CKD progression risk if they have:

    • Diabetes

    • High blood pressure

    • Existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) of any stage

    • 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 kidney disease progression screening tool used at any stage of kidney disease. 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

  • The Klinrisk test is currently available in Canada and completed by LifeLabs at a Patient Service Centre through collection of routine blood and urine samples.

    The Klinrisk CKD progression risk lab test is not available outside Canada. Please reach out to learn when Klinrisk CKD is coming to your area.