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

Project/agreement No.

OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/1-0080

Project funding

200 000.00 EUR, the funding is split between project partners as follows: 100 000 EUR – Rīga Technical University

Project manager

prof. Dr.habil.med. Dace Gardovska

Project realization

10.10.2025. - 09.10.2026.

Aim

Creation of a new diagnostic device based on dried urine spots (DUS), making analyses safer and more convenient for use in intensive care units.

Description

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 for NICUs.

Around 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 reduces invasive procedures, antibiotic overuse, and medical waste and supports EU objectives in health equity, sustainability, and innovation.

Project Team

Prof. Dace Gardovska
Assoc. Prof. Kristaps Kļaviņš