A new study presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions revealed that smartphone-enabled home testing can improve early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD), one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in the U.S.
In a collaboration between Healthy.io, Geisinger and Boehringer Ingelheim, researchers shared data showing home tests significantly improved early screening and diagnosis rates.
The study followed 4,000 Geisinger patients with either diabetes or hypertension; two of the top risk factors for CKD. Participants using Health.io’s Minuteful Kidney smartphone urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) test showed a 2.5x higher test completion rate than those receiving traditional care; leading to more early diagnoses and follow-up care.
“The presence of albumin in the urine has a similar risk level for cardiovascular events as LDL cholesterol or even smoking,” explained Brian DiDonato, senior vice president of cardio-renal-metabolic brands at Boehringer Ingelheim.
These results stem from the Minuteful Kidney test which is the only FDA-cleared at-home smartphone uACR test. Patients can use their smartphone camera and app to quickly complete tests from their homes. The system will analyze their results, provide educational resources, and connect patients to healthcare providers.
“The ability for a patient to be empowered, take advantage of these tools and understand them allows them to better understand their disease state, which ultimately helps them to take better action,” DiDonato said.
He added that patients using the at-home test are more likely to seek follow-up care, which is a positive sign for broader implementation.
CKD impacts more than 35 million Americans, yet nearly 90% of cases go undiagnosed often until later stages where there are higher health risks, including cardiovascular complications.
These findings show the importance of convenience and accessibility for patients to increase healthcare screenings.
“Yet uACR testing remains underutilized. This test is a game-changer; it can detect risk early, giving patients and providers a chance to intervene sooner,” DiDonato said.
The study found that patients who had elevated uACR levels also had higher rates of follow-up care and were more likely to be prescribed treatments for CKD including ACEi/ARB and SGLT2i prescriptions.
This study shows that implementing digital tools for chronic disease management can significantly improve screening and diagnosis rates.
“I think that it’s encouraging for the healthcare community to explore more innovative solutions that empower patients,” DiDonato said.
The brands are currently evaluating future opportunities to build from this pilot program.