Canada LifeLabs CKD Test

Klinrisk testing is now available in Canada in partnership with LifeLabs

What does the Klinrisk LifeLabs CKD test tell me?

Klinrisk generates a Klinrisk Score for patients with CKD (chronic kidney disease), to predict the progression of disease before kidney function is lost. The test is built and validated using data repositories from large and diverse national health systems.

What is the Klinrisk Score?

The LifeLabs Klinrisk Score is built for all patients with kidney disease and can help with early identification of patients that are at risk of progressive kidney disease so that kidney disease progression can be prevented for a lifetime.

The Klinrisk score ranges from 0-100 and is split into the following categories:

  • Low score: 0 to 5% risk over 5 years

  • Medium score: 6 to 24% risk over 5 years

  • High score: 25+% risk over 5 years

Patients with a high Klinrisk score are at increased risk but can work with their health care provider on a care plan focused on improving their kidney health. Klinrisk equips health care providers with a powerful tool that assesses the risk of CKD progression so that patients at risk can reduce their chances of developing end-stage kidney disease.

There are two common tests that are used to detect kidney damage and to see how well your kidneys are working.

1) Blood test: Using a blood sample, a creatinine test measures the level of wastes in your blood, and is used to calculate your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR or just GFR). Your eGFR shows how well your kidneys are working to remove wastes from your body. It is the most common way to measure kidney function. The eGFR number roughly represents the percentage of kidney function remaining.

2) Urine test: A simple urine test is used to look for protein in your urine. Having protein in urine is usually a sign of kidney disease.


Other blood and urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound or a kidney biopsy may also be needed to diagnose the specific type of kidney disease and to decide the best treatment for you. However, these commonly ordered tests do not always provide sufficient information for adequate prognosis and management of CKD. High risk patients often get treated late and low risk patients get early and inappropriate treatment.

*Please note: Currently, Klinrisk is only available in Ontario (coming to British Columbia in 2025).

How is the test performed?

Individual tests are performed using patients’ blood and urine samples as per their respective laboratory requirements.

The Klinrisk test is available to residents of Ontario now. Click the button below for the Klinrisk requisition form.

Note: The Klinrisk test will be available in BC in 2025.

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term used to describe a gradually reduced kidney function lasting for three months or more. It is caused by a number of conditions or diseases that damage kidneys. CKD can range from mild to severe and in some cases can lead to kidney failure which is also called end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney disease often starts slowly and develops without symptoms over several years. You may not even know you have CKD until your kidney function is quite low. Fortunately, most people do not progress to end-stage kidney disease and when kidney disease is found early, you can take steps to look after your remaining kidney function.

  • There are different types of kidney diseases and conditions. Some people are born with kidney disease and others develop it as they grow older. Most diseases of the kidney attack the filtering units in the kidney which damages their ability to remove waste and excess fluids. There is no cure for CKD, but it may be possible to prevent it or slow it down. This is especially true in cases of people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure ‒ the leading causes of kidney failure.

    You should get tested with Klinrisk if you have:

    • Diabetes

    • High blood pressure

    • Existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or any stage

    • Glomerulonephritis (specific diseases causing kidney inflammation)

    • Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic condition)

    • Urinary tract obstruction (blockage of urine from the kidneys)

    • Recurrent kidney stones

    • Drug (and medication) induced kidney problems (illegal drugs and some over-the-counter and prescription medications can damage the kidneys)

  • Klinrisk is a kidney disease progression screening tool used at any stage of kidney disease. Your health care provider may order this test if you fall under the high-risk group categories as outlined in the ‘Who should get tested’ section above, or if you begin to develop any of the following symptoms associated with declining kidney function:

    • High blood pressure (hypertension)

    • Puffiness of the eyes, hands and feet

    • Bloody, cloudy or tea-colored urine

    • Excessive foaming of the urine

    • Frequent need to urinate during the night

    • Passing less urine or difficulty urinating

    • Fatigue, difficulty concentrating

    • Loss of appetite or weight

    • Persistent generalized itching

  • Klinrisk testing is completed by LifeLabs at a Patient Service Centre through collection of routine blood and urine samples. You will require a completed and signed test requisition from your health care provider.

    You can download the Klinrisk requisition by clicking here

    Please note:

    The Klinrisk test is currently available at LifeLabs’ locations in Ontario only.

    The Klinrisk test will be available in BC in 2025

  • Klinrisk test results will be provided directly to your healthcare provider for discussion with you. The report will indicate the probability of progressive kidney function loss (40% reduction) or end-stage kidney disease in the next 5 years.

    Risk categories and recommendations are also provided to alert patients and health care providers to complications of kidney disease, and associated care pathways recommended by clinical practice guidelines.

    The Klinrisk score ranges from 0-100 and is split into the following categories:

    Low score: 0 to 5% risk over 5 years

    Medium score: 6 to 24% risk over 5 years

    High score: 25+% risk over 5 years

    Patients with a high Klinrisk score are at increased risk but can work with their health care provider on a care plan focused on improving their kidney health.