This World Kidney Day, Healthy.io and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) joined forces to promote early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD). At the Kidney Health Expo on Capitol Hill, attendees received free at-home kidney test kits – part of a broader effort to raise awareness, expand access to testing, and advance policy solutions that improve kidney health. The event brought together policymakers, healthcare advocates, and the public to highlight the urgency of early detection and better care for those at risk.

Prioritizing Early Detection

This year’s World Kidney Day theme – “Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health” – highlighted the importance of diagnosing CKD before it progresses. Known as a “silent killer,” CKD can develop without symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. While 1 in 3 adults are at risk of developing kidney disease, only 20% complete the guideline-recommended albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) test, a critical marker of kidney damage. Underdiagnosis of CKD is a growing public health crisis linked to increased hospitalizations, cardiovascular complications, and the need for dialysis.

March is National Kidney Month, a time where communities around the country raise awareness of kidney disease and advocate for better kidney care, broader testing access, and policy changes needed to reduce the burden of kidney disease – now one of the costliest and deadliest chronic conditions in the U.S.

Breaking Barriers with At-Home, Smartphone-Powered Testing

At the event, participants received Minuteful Kidney™ test kits, the first and only FDA-cleared, smartphone-powered at-home uACR test. The test enables individuals to check their kidney health using their smartphones and receive clinical-grade results in minutes, and share those results directly with their provider.

“Chronic kidney disease is a silent epidemic affecting millions of Americans, yet far too many go undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages,” said Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. “We are proud to stand with Healthy.io and advocate for policies that expand access to early detection and improve outcomes for patients at risk for kidney disease.”

“Too many people remain unaware of their kidney disease risk until they find themselves in the emergency room, learning they have CKD,” said Geoff Martin, CEO of Healthy.io. “By placing clinical-grade innovations in the palms of people’s hands and expanding access to testing, we can improve early detection and drive better health outcomes nationwide.”