The Finnish Registry for Kidney Diseases contains data on Finnish dialysis and kidney transplantation patients since 1964. During the first 25 years the Finnish hospitals sent their data directly to the central registry of EDTA (European Dialysis and Transplantation Association) in London. Since 1989, data collection has been handled by the Finnish Registry for Kidney Diseases. In 1992, the Finnish data from the EDTA registry was transferred to the Finnish registry. Data collected include e.g., diagnosis of kidney disease, related diseases, type of treatment, and laboratory tests, among others. After start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), data collection continues annually.

Every year the Finnish Registry for Kidney Diseases publishes a report that provides current data on incidence and prevalence of RRT, mortality of RRT patients, laboratory variables, diagnoses and types of treatments.

The number of RRT patients has increased continuously since the 1960s. On the basis of the registry data, prognoses can be made about future incidence and prevalence of RRT, which helps hospitals to properly allocate their resources. Registry data can also be used to assess the effects of various variables on RRT patients' survival. This is important for improving treatments.

The Finnish Registry for Kidney Diseases is part of The Finnish Kidney and Liver Association. The Association has two representatives on the Board of the Finnish Registry for Kidney Diseases. Nephrologists from all University hospitals are also represented on the Board.