RMH and WEHI collaborate on study to reduce kidney rejection

Researchers leverage mass spectrometry to test up to 2,000 proteins related to kidney rejection.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) are jointly studying urine samples to reduce kidney rejection.

The research involves leveraging WEHI’s mass spectrometry and automation technology to analyse urine samples and compare them with kidney biopsy results, with the goal of detecting which proteins are early markers for kidney rejection.

According to the lead author of the study, Dr Stephanie Kuo, the technology allows the capability of testing up to 2,000 proteins.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Peter Hughes, Director of the Australian Paired Kidney Exchange Programme at RMH, noted the study’s goal of reducing the reliance on invasive procedures.

“Kidney biopsies carry some risks and have to be performed at the hospital where patients then need to wait for four to five hours afterwards,” Hughes said.

“The potential of a urine test to bypass the need for a biopsy is an exciting prospect for us who work in the clinical space,” he added.