What is this test?
1 in 3 people with diabetes will develop kidney disease, which can lead to dialysis or a transplant 1,2.
Our test can predict your risk of kidney disease years for up to 4 years before symptoms appear. Early detection helps you and your doctor take action to delay or prevent its progression.
Although your doctor may have you taking regular kidney function tests such as eGFR or ACR, these tests do not predict the onset of kidney disease.
Studies show the test is 86% accurate in predicting kidney disease. Patients identified as "high risk" by the test are 13.5 times more likely to develop kidney disease up to 4 years in advance3,4.
The test also helps doctors choose treatments. Patients at high risk benefit most from kidney-protecting drugs, and doctors use the results to adjust medications and monitor patients more closely5,6.
Who should take this test?
The test is suitable for adults who have been diagnosed with diabetes (type 2) by a health professional and have an eGFR of greater than 30ml/min/1.73m2.
What does this test measure?
The test works by measuring protein biomarkers in your blood that are linked with kidney disease.
A scientifically proven algorithm combines these results with data about your age and eGFR (a kidney function measure). It then calculates how likely it is you will develop kidney disease.
When should I do the test?
If you’re eligible, it’s never too early to take the test. In fact, early detection of kidney disease may help to slow or stop disease progression and reduce the complications associated with it8. Knowing your risk helps you and your doctor develop a plan to keep your kidneys healthy for as long as possible.
What to expect with your results?
The diabetic kidney disease test algorithm works out a score indicating how likely it is your kidney function will decline over the next 4 years. It uses a traffic light system to classify your risk.
- Green = low risk of kidney disease
- Amber = moderate risk of kidney disease
- Red = high risk of kidney disease
What happens after I get my result?
Your test results will be sent to both your regular GP and the referring doctor.
Once the results are ready, you'll get an email to book an online follow-up with the referring doctor. They will explain your results, answer your questions, and discuss next steps. You can also share your results with your regular GP to plan your care.
With this test report, your doctor can work with you to create a treatment plan to help keep your kidneys healthy for as long as possible.
Depending on the results, your doctor might suggest:
- lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, managing your weight and quitting smoking
- more frequent monitoring
- avoiding medicines that can damage the kidneys
- prescribing medication designed to protect kidney function.
Diabetic Kidney Disease Test
Conventional tests for kidney function (eGFR and ACR) do not identify early changes in kidney function which may lead to chronic kidney disease.
This blood test is designed to identify the risk of chronic kidney disease for type 2 diabetes, up to 4 years before symptoms appear.
Early detection enables early intervention, which could even halt the progression of disease.
For patients with type 2 diabetes
Predicts kidney disease 4 years before symptoms appear
Sample Type: Blood Test
Authorisation: Telehealth consult included
Results: Less than 2 weeks from sample collection
How it all works
1
Purchase your test
Request a test, and answer a few questions about your health online.
2
Talk to a doctor
Book a telehealth consultation with a doctor to approve your test request (included in purchase).
3
Provide your sample
Take your referral to a participating collection centre and have your blood sample taken.
4
Get answers in days
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email to book an online follow-up with your doctor to review your results.
Disclaimer: This test is conducted in line with ISO 15189:2022 standards, adhering to National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)-accredited methodologies.
Your results
Highly accurate
Our diabetic kidney disease test has been shown to accurately predict kidney disease risk in 86% of cases. It is designed to be particularly sensitive for detecting a high risk of kidney disease.
The test process itself is backed by rigorous research, with a study finding it outperformed two current gold standard tests for predicting diabetic kidney disease7.
Clear
All you need is a single blood test and results you probably have on hand – your eGFR level. If you don’t have those results, our doctor can arrange for you to get them during the same blood test.
Fast, high-quality results
Your sample is analysed in our accredited lab and results are available in less than 2 weeks from when your blood is drawn - often quicker depending on your location.
Actionable
You and your doctor can use your report to create a personalised management plan depending on your result.
Backed by science, reviewed by doctors
Our screening laboratory
Your blood sample is analysed at our Australian laboratory using our proven technology platform. The method employed for this test is pending accreditation by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and has been conducted in line with ISO 15189:2022 standards, adhering to NATA-accredited methodologies.
Doctor-reviewed results
All tests are reviewed by an independent Australian-registered doctor.
Your privacy matters
myTEST ensures the highest Australian standards for data protection, so any personal and health data is stored securely.
You have questions, we have answers
Easy to access, and even easier to understand.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects your body’s ability to make and use insulin – a hormone that helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. This leads to a build-up of glucose (a type of sugar) in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. Unless type 2 diabetes is well managed, the high blood sugar levels can lead to complications including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.
What is diabetic kidney disease?
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a complication of diabetes. It affects the kidneys' ability to filter waste materials from the blood. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels and structures in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function. In severe cases, this can result in kidney failure.
What is eGFR?
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It is calculated based on your age, sex, and the level of creatinine in the blood. eGFR results help healthcare providers assess kidney function.
Am I eligible for the test?
To be eligible, you must:
• be 18 years of age or older
• have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes from a healthcare professional
• have an eGFR greater than greater than 30ml/min/1.73m2 (one of our doctors can arrange this test for you if needed).
Can I get a refund if it turns out I’m not eligible?
Yes, we will fully refund your purchase if the Telehealth physician determines you are not eligible for the test.
How do I do the test?
Follow these simple steps to take the diabetic kidney disease test.
1. Purchase the test online above.
2. Book your telehealth consult to get the pathology referral.
3. Take the referral to a participating collection center and have your blood sample taken.
4. Wait for the referring doctor to contact you with results.
How much does it cost and can I get a Medicare rebate?
The diabetic kidney disease test costs $295.00 and is not currently funded under Medicare.
How long until I get my results?
Up to 14 days depending on where you are located.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
You don’t need a referral from your usual GP to do the diabetic kidney disease test. One of our telehealth partner doctors can approve the pathology request for you. The cost of this consult is included in the purchase price.
How often should I take the test?
This depends on your results. Current clinical recommendations suggest the following:
• Low Risk - every 4 years
• Moderate Risk - every 2 years
• High Risk - as determined by your doctor
Are my results and personal details kept private?
We know health information is sensitive and take your privacy very seriously. Your test results are private and confidential – only you and your referring doctor have access to them.We store your personal information on highly secure, encrypted servers and will never share your information with third parties without your permission. See our Privacy Policy for further information.
References
- AIHW. Chronic kidney disease: Australian facts. Last updated: 17 Jun 2024. Available at https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease/contents/risk-factors/diabetes. Accessed 4 Dec 2024.
- de Boer, Ian H et al. Diabetes Management in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Consensus Report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Diabetes care vol. 45,12 (2022): 3075-3090. doi:10.2337/dci22-0027.
- Peters KE, et al. Validation of a protein biomarker test for predicting renal decline in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II. J Diab Comp. 2019.
- Peters KE, et al. Diabetic kidney disease test Predicts Renal Function Decline in Type 2 Diabetes in the Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study (CANVAS). Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020.
- Peters KE, et al. Canagliflozin Attenuates Diabetic kidney disease test Diabetic Kidney Disease Risk Prediction Scores, Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023.
- Fusfeld L, et al. Evaluation of the Clinical Utility of Diabetic kidney disease test In-Vitro Test in Predicting Diabetic Kidney Disease and Rapid Renal Decline. PLOS ONE. 2022.
- Peters KE,et al. PromarkerD Versus Standard of Care Biochemical Measures for Assessing Future Renal Function Decline in Type 2 Diabetes, Diagnostics. 2025.
- UpToDate. Early detection of chronic kidney disease. Available at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/early-detection-of-chronic-kidney-disease. Accessed 5 Dec 2024.
Take your next step with confidence
Know your risk and your doctor can help you make your next healthcare decision with confidence.