Spectral Urine Analysis for Non-Invasive, Rapid Diagnosis: The Future of Liquid Biopsy

13 August 2025 | Hamamatsu Photonics Norden AB

• Development

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Early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the effective treatment of diseases,
particularly in oncology. However, the absence of apparent clinical symptoms and the limitations of conventional screening methods present significant challenges. To address this gap, medical science is exploring innovative diagnostic platforms, among which liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising technique. Introduced initially to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the bloodstream, liquid biopsy now encompasses a broader range of body fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, pleural effusion, and most notably, urine.
Why Urine?
Urine offers a unique window into human health. As a biological fluid that is readily obtainable through non invasive methods and widely accepted by patients, urine is increasingly being recognized for its diagnostic potential. It reflects the metabolic state of various organs and can indicate both inflammatory and neoplastic processes.
With the presence of metabolites and biomarkers, urine becomes an ideal candidate for spectral analysis. Traditional Urine Analysis Methods:
A cornerstone of diagnostic medicine, urine analysis can be traced back to ancient times. These traditional methods, though still widely used, have limitations in scope, precision, and speed.
Culture Tests:
Used for diagnosing infections, urine cultures are the gold standard for identifying bacterial species and determining antibiotic sensitivity. However they delay diagnosis with incubation times of 24–72 hours.
Urinanalysis Dipstick Tests:
Colorimetric tests are commonly used in clinical settings for quick screening. Dipsticks detect a range of parameters such as pH, glucose, protein, ketones, bilirubin, and blood. They are useful, but semi-quantitative, can be subject to user error, and often provide only a basic overview.