A urine-based diagnostic for detection of sepsis biomarkers in infants (U-TEST)

U-TEST is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of sepsis biomarkers in infants. Sepsis accounts for 18% of neonatal deaths, yet current diagnostics rely on invasive blood tests that pose risks, are unsuitable for frequent use, and may lead to overtreatment or missed diagnoses. No reliable, non-invasive diagnostic method currently exists. U-TEST enables urine-based biomarker detection via a clinical collection patch, offering a safer, repeatable alternative. It builds on our team’s research in neonatal urinary metabolomics and has reached TRL3, showing promise for early diagnosis and personalized care. The solution targets NICUs, where ~1,800 cases occur yearly in Latvia alone, with average treatment costs of €40,000—highlighting the need for safer, cost-effective diagnostics. U-TEST advances RIS3 goals by promoting biomedicine and smart health technologies. It reduces invasive procedures, antibiotic overuse, and medical waste and supports EU objectives in health equity, sustainability, and innovation. The expected results of the project are biomarker validation, a biobank established, 200 tests performed, TRL level increased from 3 to 4, FTO search completed, patent application filed in Latvia, international application prepared, pilot interest from 5 leads, and go-to-market and fundraising strategies developed.