Urine odour test detects bladder cancer

Scientists in the UK made a device that can detect bladder cancer through urine odour test.

09:25 13 July 2013

UK scientists have developed a device that can detect bladder cancer. It uses a sensor to detect gaseous chemicals that are given off if cancer cells are present.

Bladder cancer is one of the most common causes of death in cancer patients because unlike cervical or breast cancer, there were no available reliable screening methods to detect it – until now.

The device is called Odoreader; it was reportedly inspired by a dog’s ability to detect smells that escape human nose. The device was used on 98 patients – 24 of whom had cancer. It is believed the sensor was 100per cent accurate as it identified all cancer victims.

The scientists behind the revolutionary device are hoping that it can also be used to diagnose the early stages of prostate cancer.

Researcher Professor Norman Ratcliffe from the Institute of Biosensor Technology at UWE Bristol said: “Odoreader works by inserting a bottle containing the urine sample into the device.

About 30 minutes later the Odoreader is capable of showing the diagnosis on the computer screen if the sample derives from a patient with bladder cancer. It is simple to use and could be operated in a doctor’s surgery.”