RecruitingObservational

Kidney function assessment with finger-prick blood tests in different people and different settings

Chronic kidney disease is a common, long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. Checking how well the kidneys are working usually involves blood tests taken from a vein and sent away to a laboratory, which takes time. This study, led by King's College Hospital, is testing handheld finger-prick devices that give kidney results in less than five minutes. Researchers want to see how accurate these quick tests are compared to standard laboratory tests and hospital kidney scans. Some volunteers will also be invited to test their own blood at home using a small monitor for ten days. The team hopes that quick finger-prick testing can help doctors detect kidney problems earlier and make monitoring easier, especially for Black and South Asian communities who face a higher risk of kidney disease.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

415

Start

21 Jul 2020

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2027

Chronic kidney disease

What is this study about?

Your kidneys filter waste and extra water from your blood to make urine. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys gradually lose this ability over time. CKD is often linked to ageing, diabetes, or high blood pressure, and it is more common in people of Black and South Asian backgrounds. Detecting kidney problems early is vital so that doctors can protect kidney health for as long as possible.

At present, checking kidney health usually requires a blood sample taken with a needle from your arm. The sample is sent to a laboratory, meaning patients and doctors often have to wait days for the results. This study is exploring a new approach called 'point-of-care' testing. This uses a tiny drop of blood from a quick finger-prick, giving a result in less than five minutes on a small, portable monitor.

Researchers want to see how reliable these fast finger-prick tests are compared to standard hospital lab tests and specialised kidney scans. They also want to understand how kidney readings change throughout the day and whether patients feel comfortable testing their own blood at home.

If successful, this approach could allow kidney checks to happen outside of hospitals—such as in GP surgeries, community centres, or places of worship. This could help reach people earlier and make managing kidney health far more convenient.

Key takeaways

Tests a simple, handheld finger-prick device that checks kidney function in under five minutes.
Compares quick finger-prick results with standard hospital lab tests and kidney scans.
Open to adults with kidney disease, those at risk (such as people with diabetes or heart conditions), or those having a kidney scan.
Some volunteers will try out home monitoring four times a day for 10 days.
Aims to make kidney testing faster, easier, and more accessible in community settings.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are 18 or older and have chronic kidney disease, or are at risk of kidney problems because of conditions like diabetes or heart disease. You can also take part if you are already booked for a specialised hospital kidney scan (known as a nuclear medicine GFR test).

You will not be able to participate if you have a health condition that makes finger-prick tests unsafe, such as a severe skin condition on your hands or a bleeding disorder. You also cannot take part if you have certain liver conditions that interfere with standard kidney test measurements, or if you are unable to give consent.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or older.
I have chronic kidney disease, or I have diabetes or heart disease that puts me at risk.
Alternatively, I am already scheduled for a hospital kidney scan (nuclear medicine GFR test).
I do not have a bleeding disorder or severe skin problems on my fingers.
I am able and willing to give informed consent to take part.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part begins with a visit where a researcher takes a tiny drop of blood from a quick finger prick to test on two handheld monitors. These results are compared with your usual hospital blood tests and health records. There are no study medications, and your usual medical care will not change.

Some participants will be invited to join a second part of the study. If you take part in this stage, you will be given a portable monitor to take home. You will be asked to do a quick finger-prick test four times a day for 10 days to see how your readings vary day to day. You will receive clear training on how to use the device, and you will return it when the 10 days are finished.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly improve your own health, but you will be helping researchers develop easier, faster ways to detect and manage kidney disease for others in the future. The physical risks are very low; a finger prick can cause a brief, minor sting and a tiny spot of bruising, but the amount of blood taken is very small and completely harmless. Joining is entirely your choice, and you are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason and without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (3)

King's College Hospital
Approximate
London, England
The Royal London Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Approximate
Manchester, England

Common questions

Will this test replace my usual NHS kidney treatment?

No. The study tests are for research only and do not replace your regular blood tests, appointments, or prescriptions.

Does the finger-prick blood test hurt?

It feels like a tiny pinch, similar to the finger-prick checks used by people with diabetes. Any discomfort usually fades in seconds.

Do I have to do the home testing part?

No. The home testing is only for a smaller group of volunteers. The study team will explain whether this applies to you, and you can choose whether to do it.

Who is running and paying for this research?

The study is run by doctors at King's College Hospital in London and is funded by the UK Kidney Association.

What happens if I change my mind after joining?

You can leave the study at any time. Simply tell the research team, and your routine medical care will continue as normal.

How to find out more

Kate Bramham

kate.bramham@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0)2078480431 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.