Bladder EpiCheck® bladder cancer test
An innovative, non-invasive urinary biomarker test designed to assess the risk of bladder cancer recurrence. The test features high sensitivity, a strong negative predictive value, and may help reduce the need for invasive cystoscopies.
More effective follow-up for patients with bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the Western world and one of the most expensive due to long-term surveillance. Because recurrences are frequent, patients may undergo up to four cystoscopies per year – an invasive and uncomfortable procedure.
Bladder EpiCheck® offers an advanced alternative: a high-sensitivity, high–negative predictive value non-invasive test that can reduce the need for cystoscopies while maintaining diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
How does the Bladder EpiCheck® test work?
Bladder EpiCheck® is an advanced urinary biomarker test that non-invasively evaluates the risk of bladder cancer recurrence. It analyses specific epigenetic DNA changes (methylation patterns) characteristic of tumour-related cellular changes and is defined by high sensitivity and a high negative predictive value.
91% sensitivity in high-risk NMIBC cases
99% negative predictive value
85% specificity
Designed for surveillance of NMIBC patients, with a particular focus on reliably excluding high-grade recurrence
Detects epigenetic tumour markers in urine
Helps identify patients for whom cystoscopy may not be necessary
Less invasiveness, more accuracy in patient surveillance
Bladder EpiCheck® enables reliable monitoring of bladder cancer without unnecessary cystoscopies. This is especially important for patients at risk of recurrence, where not every cystoscopy is justified. The test helps optimise the diagnostic pathway, reduces patient discomfort, and improves healthcare efficiency.
Reduced need for cystoscopies
The test may enable a responsible deferral or alternation of a proportion of surveillance cystoscopies.
High reliability
With 91% sensitivity and a 99% negative predictive value, the test can confidently rule out the likelihood of recurrence.
Non-invasive method
Performed on a urine sample – patients do not need to undergo an unpleasant invasive procedure.
Aligned with the latest clinical recommendations
Included in the 2022 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines as a recommended tool for NMIBC surveillance.
When and for whom is the test recommended?
For patients with non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)
The test is suitable for surveillance of NMIBC patients and optimization of the frequency of surveillance procedures.
For those who want to reduce the number of cystoscopies
If a patient experiences discomfort or anxiety related to regular cystoscopies, Bladder EpiCheck® may help avoid or delay them while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
For those seeking a reliable, non-invasive surveillance alternative
The test helps identify recurrence risk early and, with a negative result, reliably rules out disease recurrence.
In line with clinical guidelines
According to the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines, Bladder EpiCheck® is recommended as a molecular urine test for NMIBC surveillance.
Bladder EpiCheck® reliability: accuracy and quality metrics
Bladder EpiCheck® uses advanced epigenetic profiling technology to reliably detect tumour-related changes in urine. Clinical studies have demonstrated very high accuracy, supporting evidence-based decisions on further surveillance.
91% sensitivity in high-risk cases
99% negative predictive value
85% specificity
Non-invasive assessment of bladder cancer recurrence risk
Take the Bladder EpiCheck® test and support patient safety and comfort.
For Specialists
All key information in one place – from biomarkers analysed to accuracy and clinical value. This section is intended for specialists who want a detailed understanding of the test rationale, structure, and practical applications.
Bladder EpiCheck® is mentioned in the 2022 European Association of Urology (EAU) clinical guidelines for non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) as a molecular urine test that may help optimize surveillance.
The test can be used alongside cystoscopy, particularly to reliably rule out the risk of high-grade recurrence.
The EAU highlights the test’s high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
A meta-analysis published in European Urology Oncology reported that Bladder EpiCheck® shows:
- 91% sensitivity in high-risk NMIBC cases
- 99% negative predictive value
- 85% specificity
These were the best performance metrics among the urinary biomarker tests evaluated.
The test is based on analysis of specific methylation patterns – epigenetic changes commonly found in malignant cells. It is performed on a urine sample without invasive instruments, reducing the risk of infection, complications, and patient discomfort.
Bladder EpiCheck® is intended for the surveillance of NMIBC patients. The test can be used as an adjunct prior to a planned cystoscopy to assess the risk of recurrence. If the result is negative, the physician may consider optimizing the surveillance schedule according to the individual clinical situation.
The test can reduce the number of cystoscopies, decrease pressure on outpatient urology services, and conserve resources. According to Prof. Fred Witjes (chair of an EAU committee), it is a cost-effective solution that improves patient care.
