A new blood test from University of Bristol researchers can detect heart and kidney disease at earliest stages, before symptoms appear.
University of Bristol researchers have unveiled a novel blood test capable of detecting heart and kidney disease at its earliest stages — before symptoms appear and when intervention is most effective. The findings, published May 12, 2026, in Nature Communications, mark a significant advance in preventive medicine and could reshape how clinicians monitor the health of microscopic blood vessels throughout the body.
A Molecular Fingerprint for Vascular Health
The test works by identifying specific biomarkers in the blood that indicate early damage to the endothelium — the thin layer of cells lining blood vessels. Unlike existing tests that only detect disease after it has progressed, this new approach catches deterioration at the cellular level, opening a window for early intervention.
Implications for Preventive Medicine
The research team collected samples from over 12,000 participants across 15 clinical sites in the UK. Results showed the test correctly identified early-stage kidney disease in 91% of cases and early-stage heart disease in 88% of cases.
Cost and Accessibility
The research team estimates the test could be made available through NHS England pilot programs within 18 months, at a projected cost of approximately £45 per test.
