Abbott unveils new kidney test

LIBERTYVILLE TOWNSHIP - Abbott announced it has received Conformite Europeene Marking for a new diagnostic test that detects an important protein in urine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, an early marker or indicator for patients with, or at risk of, acute kidney injury.

NGAL is a novel biomarker that can be detected in urine in as little as two hours instead of days. Early detection can aid in the diagnosis of AKI - a common condition that can quickly progress to kidney failure if left untreated - and help physicians better manage patient care.

Current tests lack the clinical and timely precision that can help physicians intervene quickly and mitigate the effect of any potential injury, the company said.