March 7, 2011

British Columbians at risk of developing kidney disease can have their kidney health tested quickly and at no cost through a new targeted screening program offered by The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

The new program, called SeeKD, uses a portable blood-screening device to test kidney function. The blood test and other measures help to identify people with early-stage kidney disease who are probably unaware of their condition. in its early stages, kidney disease has few noticeable symptoms.

Early identification of kidney disease is essential for helping people take control of their kidney health and in many cases, can help them avoid the eventual need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Individuals at risk for kidney disease include people of Asian, Aboriginal, African, and South Asian descent, as well as people with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of kidney disease. ?

?Our new targeted screening program demonstrates The Kidney Foundation?s commitment to early detection and prevention, and to working closely with kidney care professionals across the province to reduce the risk of kidney disease for all British Columbians,? said Heather Johnson, director of programs for The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch in a news release.

An estimated 200,000 British Columbians have some level of kidney disease, and most do not know it. Over 90 percent have no symptoms. Patients can be ill for years, with their kidneys gradually deteriorating, yet they often do not discover their life-threatening condition until their kidneys no longer function properly and they need kidney replacement therapy. through detection of their kidney disease at an earlier stage, many of these individuals could avoid or significantly delay their need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

For British Columbians who require regular dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive, the emotional, social and economic costs are significant. for the healthcare system the cost of treating people with kidney disease represents a huge and growing challenge.

Throughout the month of March and on World Kidney Day (March 10), the Kidney Foundation and the BC Renal Agency are partnering together to raise awareness about kidney disease. Both organizations encourage British Columbians to learn more about their risk for developing kidney disease through a simple online quiz at bcrenalagency.ca.