Genetic test to reduce risk of donor kidney failure

Hundreds of potential kidney donors of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage can now get a simple blood test to help reduce the risk of kidney failure. The test is part of national genetic testing available on the NHS and will help identify if potential donors carry genes that mean they have a high risk of kidney disease after donation. The NHS plans to carry out around 160 tests a year to identify people with ‘high-risk’ variants of a gene known as ‘APOL1’, common in people of Black African and Black Caribbean, and the test will help clinicians assess donor suitability and future risk of kidney failure.

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