Better than blood tests? Nanoparticle potential found in assessing kidneys

Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas and Vanderbilt University have found that X-rays of the kidneys using gold nanoparticles as a contrast agent might be more accurate in detecting kidney disease than standard laboratory blood tests. Based on their study in mice, the researchers also realized that caution may be warranted in using renal-clearable nanomedicines to patients with compromised kidneys. For example, they found that in mice with severely injured kidneys, nanoparticle transport through the kidneys was slowed down significantly, a situation that caused the nanoparticles to stay in the kidneys longer.