The NHS has launched a new genetic blood test to improve the safety of kidney donations from people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage
This test, available as part of national genetic screening, could help prevent future kidney disease among potential donors, reducing the risk of kidney failure later in life.
The APOL1 gene
The test focuses on a gene called APOL1, which is more common in individuals of Black African and Black Caribbean descent.
Research has shown that people with certain variants of the APOL1 gene are at a significantly higher risk of developing kidney disease, particularly after donating a kidney.
Each year, around 1,000 people in the UK choose to donate a kidney to someone in need of a transplant, but until now, the long-term health risks for those from these communities have not been fully understood.
Protecting future kidney health
The NHS’s new initiative will screen about 160 potential donors annually, helping healthcare professionals assess whether a person is carrying the high-risk variants of the APOL1 gene.
If someone is found to carry the gene and is under the age of 60, they will be advised not to donate a kidney, protecting their health in the future.
People with high-risk APOL1 genes are more likely to experience kidney failure, and the test will allow doctors to monitor those individuals more closely, offering kidney health check-ups and advice on lifestyle changes.
These measures aim to reduce the chances of developing kidney disease in the future, ultimately leading to better long-term health outcomes for donors.
Safer kidney donation
This genetic testing is also essential in addressing healthcare inequalities.
Studies have shown that people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage are disproportionately affected by kidney disease, often needing kidney transplants at higher rates than those of White heritage.
By providing this test, the NHS hopes to make kidney donation safer and reduce disparities in kidney health, ensuring that all communities have access to the best possible care and preventative measures.
The genetic test has been rolled out nationwide after being approved for inclusion in the NHS Genomics Test Directory. The samples will be sent to specialised genomic laboratories for analysis, with results provided to potential donors and their healthcare providers.
Around 500 tests are expected to be conducted in the coming years, further helping us understand how genetics affect kidney health in Black communities.
One of the key benefits of the APOL1 test is that it offers personalised risk information. Potential donors who are not at high risk can be reassured that it is safe for them to donate, while those identified as high-risk can take the proper actions to safeguard their kidney health. This approach could lead to a reduction in the number of people developing kidney disease following donation, which is particularly important as kidney disease can be a lifelong condition that often leads to dialysis or a transplant.
This new initiative is part of a broader effort by the NHS to use genomics to improve healthcare for all patients, particularly those from diverse ethnic backgrounds. By integrating genetic medicine into routine healthcare, the NHS is improving the quality of care and tackling longstanding health inequalities.
The introduction of APOL1 testing in kidney donation is just one example of how genomic science is helping to transform patient care, providing a more personalised, preventative approach to medicine. This breakthrough will ensure that people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage who wish to donate a kidney can do so with the knowledge and support needed to protect their health for the future.
