NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, lipocalin-2, sidero- calin) is a novel biomarker for diagnosing acute kidney injury (AKI). Under normal conditions NGAL levels are low in urine and plasma Still, they rise sharply from basal levels in response to kidney injury to reach diagnostic levels within a very short time - as much as 24 hours or more before any significant rise in serum creatinine.

Clinical Significance

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality encountered by hospitalized patients, especially intensive care centers. Early detection may improve the hospital stay, patients prognosis, and reduce expensive medical costs.
Cited from: Cai-Mei Zheng, Min-Tser Liao et al.,“ Biomarkers in Acute
Kidney Injury”, Open Journal of Nephrology, Vol.3 No.1(2013).

Aplication

• Early diagnosis of AKI to allow earlier initiation of appropriate management
• Risk stratification of AKI
• Prediction of clinical outcomes (dialysis, in-hospital death, length of hospital stay, mortality)
• Monitor response to therapy