For organ transplant recipients, life post-transplant involves a delicate balance between invasive monitoring and immunosuppression to reduce the risk of rejection, both of which may carry complications. Now, a simple, urine-based assay that detects the CXCL10 chemokine may make care more convenient and less invasive for the nearly 250,000 Americans living with a kidney transplant.

Thermo Fisher Scientific One Lambda Laboratories, a CLIA facility in Fishers, Ind., has introduced a new CXCL10 testing service, which allows for non-invasive urine sample collection and testing, with results available in as little as 24 hours, providing valuable information faster than currently used tests.

Multiple studies have shown that elevated urinary CXCL10 levels are associated with inflammation and early kidney transplant rejection.

Thermo Fisher’s CXCL10 testing service may supplement current standards of care that may lack specificity or sensitivity, which may lead to unnecessary and invasive biopsies, or produce results too late to influence care, making treating rejection more difficult. This can lead to an aggressive immunosuppression regime, increasing patient morbidity and mortality risks.

“Current methods of post-transplant monitoring can represent a significant financial and physical burden for many transplant patients. In keeping with our commitment to health equity, we believe this lower-cost, non-invasive testing option can expand access to care and improve patient adherence, since the sample can be collected at any local clinic,” says Chris McCloskey, director, Transplant Services, Thermo Fisher Scientific.