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.

You should get tested with Klinrisk if you have:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or 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

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

Additional patient information is available to download 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 2025

Klinrisk test results will be provided directly to your healthcare provider for discussion with you. The report will indicate the probability of progressive kidney function loss (40% reduction) or end-stage kidney disease 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.