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Kidney Health New Zealand says a simple, $12 test could prevent hundreds of people languishing on waitlists for a kidney donor.
Last month Nine to Noon looked at the experience of Dunedin man Eric Trump who was born with one kidney that failed by the time he was 29.
Thanks to a kidney donation from his aunt, he underwent a successful transplant and has gone on to live a normal life.
But while kidneys are among the most common transplants here, there's a long waitlist - currently 500 people are waiting for a donor.
That leaves dialysis wards around the country full - with many open around the clock to cope with demand.
Kidney Health New Zealand says chronic kidney disease is becoming one of the fastest-growing causes of death.
Well-managed kidney disease can mean avoiding a life on dialysis or transplant if caught early enough - with a $12 test.
Kathryn speaks to Manawatu nephrologist Dr Curtis Walker, and Amelia King - who'll finally head home to Waimate later this week after two years on dialysis and her eventual kidney transplant.
