Times of India
27 October 2010
By Pushpa Narayan
Chennai, India

City Doctor Develops Kit Which Will Help To Detect Kidney Ailments Early
How long have you been thinking of getting a urine test done to make sure your kidney is in good shape? Doctors estimate that more than 60% of patients postpone such tests, lowering chances of early detection of renal disorders. Chennai–based nephrologist Dr Rajan Ravichandran has now developed a diagnostic kit that can be used at home to measure levels of sugar, protein and acid in the urine.

"Such a product is not available in the market. I have seen several patients coming to me very late because they did not get the test done on time. We are now using the kit for research and awareness. It is supported by the Balaji Medical and Education Trust," said Dr Ravichandran.

The kit, which comes with a colour–coded strip and sheet inside a zip–lock cover has simple directions to use. Like the pregnancy home test kits, this strip has to be dipped in urine. The change in colour of the strip can be matched with a colour–coded sheet to ascertain the value.

While traces of protein is an indication of a probable kidney disease, presence of sugar can alert the patient on diabetes. Acid levels indicate lifestyle factors such as diet.

"We are sending samples to at least 5,000 people in the first phase. They will have to fill up the feedback form and send it to us. If they find the values abnormal, they will have to meet a doctor," he said. The results can be sent as feedback to the trust through post or mailed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In a country that is estimated to have more than 40 million diabetics and an equal number of people with hypertension, there is a high risk of people getting chronic kidney disorders. Early detection of such diseases will help the patient prevent deterioration of the organ.

More than 7,000 people register for dialysis in the city every year. Dialysis is the artificial filtration for the kidney when the organ loses the ability to carry it the function.

At present, the trust spends nearly 10 towards each kit. "We know we eventually have to market this. But if that happens, we will ensure the cost is much less than that at a diagnostic lab. It will not cost more than 25," he said.

Do–It–Yourself

• The home kit consists of a colour–coded strip and sheet. The strip has to be dipped in urine. The change in colour of the strip can be matched with the colour–coded sheet to ascertain the value
• Traces of protein are an indication of a probable kidney disease. Presence of sugar can alert the patient on diabetes. Acid levels indicate lifestyle factors such as diet