Hundreds of potential kidney donors of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage can now access a simple blood test designed to minimise the risk of kidney failure.
This groundbreaking initiative is part of the NHS's national genetic testing programme, which aims to identify individuals with high-risk gene variants that could lead to kidney disease post-donation.
The NHS plans to conduct around 160 tests annually to detect 'high-risk' variants of the APOL1 gene, commonly found in individuals of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage. This test will play a crucial role in assessing donor suitability and future kidney failure risk.
Some of the main benefits of the testing include:
- APOL1 Testing: Identifies high-risk genetic variants in potential kidney donors.
- Eligibility: Individuals under 60 with high-risk APOL1 genes advised against kidney donation.
- Preventative Measures: Regular monitoring, lifestyle, and dietary advice for those at higher risk.
- Healthcare Equality: Addressing disparities in kidney disease prevalence among Black African and Black Caribbean communities.
Each year, approximately 1,000 individuals choose to donate a kidney to those suffering from kidney failure. However, people with two parents of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage face a higher risk of developing kidney disease and requiring transplants compared to individuals of White heritage. Research indicates that about three in five individuals with two high-risk genes develop kidney disease after donating a kidney.
NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard said:
“It’s great news that this simple blood test on the NHS will help protect donors of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage who are selflessly coming forward to try and save lives.
“We know kidney failure disproportionately impacts people from Black African and Black Caribbean heritage and this genetic test will not only help keep potential donors safe from future kidney disease, but it will also enable NHS staff to monitor those most at risk, which could ultimately improve hundreds of lives.
“This is just the latest example of how the NHS is harnessing the full force of genomic medicine to prevent future ill health, improve the lives of patients and, at the same time, to address healthcare inequalities to improve the lives of all NHS patients.”
The genetic test will be administered to all potential donors of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage, aiming to evaluate the risk of developing kidney failure in later life. Over the next three years, approximately 500 tests are expected to be conducted.
This initiative became a reality after a request from Bristol Health Partners' Kidney Disease Health Integration Team, in collaboration with the University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust. The testing is now available nationwide, with samples being analysed at the South West and South East Genomic Laboratory Hubs.
This programme is part of broader efforts to integrate genomics into the NHS and ensure that genomic medicine serves diverse communities, ultimately reducing health disparities.
Image credit: iStock
