In a prospective cohort study enrolled 442 ICU patients, a negative [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7] (<0.3 ng/ml) versus positive results on admission was predictive of AKI (31.9% versus 68.10%, respectively; p < 0.001), and AKI stage 2 or 3 was higher in patients with a positive assay result (p = 0.026). The gene discussed is TIMP2; the disease is acute kidney injury.