Neither SCr nor urine output are direct markers of kidney injury. In addition, both are delayed and insensitive biomarkers affected by many variables. A number of novel potential biomarkers have been identified that show promise, including kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), interleukin 18, liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TlMP-2), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGRBP7), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Only TIMP-2 × IGRBP7 has entered routine clinical practice. These show great potential in identifying AKI early in which timely intervention may change the course and progression of the disease. With regards to intraoperative diagnostic technologies, research is ongoing into development of real-time GFR monitoring using novel fluorescent GFR tracer agents.