A new study reveals that smartphone technology is transforming chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening, leading to increased identification and earlier diagnosis. Conducted by Healthy.io, Geisinger, and supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, the pilot program leveraged Healthy.io’s FDA-cleared Minuteful Kidney test—an innovative smartphone-powered solution for at-home urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) testing.
The study involved 4,000 Geisinger patients with diabetes or hypertension, both of which are major risk factors for CKD. Participants were either offered Minuteful Kidney’s home-based uACR test or a traditional lab test, along with proactive patient engagement and education.
Significant Boost in CKD Identification
Results presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions on June 20, 2025, showed that patients in the pilot group had significantly higher rates of CKD or proteinuria diagnoses compared to the usual care group (4.7% vs. 2.9%, p<0.001). This data demonstrates the potential of mobile health tools to bridge care gaps and support early detection of kidney disease in at-risk populations.
Geoff Martin, CEO of Healthy.io, emphasized the need to close the uACR testing gap by implementing smartphone-enabled testing and education to boost compliance among historically underserved populations.
Why Early CKD Detection Matters
Early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial for preventing progression and reducing cardiovascular complications. Boehringer Ingelheim’s Senior VP, Brian DiDonato, supports a study that advances innovation in CKD screening, highlighting the importance of early detection.
Empowering Patients Through Home Testing
Beyond diagnostics, the Minuteful Kidney app also delivers educational content and follow-up support, ensuring patients stay informed and connected to their care teams. The program successfully removed traditional barriers such as access to lab facilities, long waiting times, and patient hesitancy.
According to Dr. Alexander Chang, Associate Professor at Geisinger, “uACR testing is essential in evaluating kidney health and predicting cardiovascular events. This study’s high engagement and diagnosis rates highlight how home-based solutions can directly improve patient outcomes.”
With limited awareness and access to CKD screening still posing major challenges, smartphone-enabled tools like Minuteful Kidney represent a scalable, patient-centric approach to proactive healthcare.
