Transforming UTI diagnosis through rapid point-of-care innovation

UTIs affect around 100 million people worldwide each year and are a major driver of antibiotic prescribing. Yet diagnosis typically relies on slow laboratory culture methods, meaning clinicians often treat patients based on symptoms alone. This can lead to inappropriate prescribing, poorer patient outcomes, and growing antimicrobial resistance.

In response, the research team has developed a low-cost, point-of-care molecular diagnostic device using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Designed to deliver rapid results within a single consultation, it provides clear positive or negative outputs without requiring specialist interpretation.

By embedding a trained classification algorithm, the system improves diagnostic accuracy while addressing the trade-offs typically associated with lower-cost testing technologies.

Early evidence has demonstrated the potential of this approach. Clinical evaluation of the platform has shown strong performance compared to standard laboratory diagnostics, supporting its use alongside existing care pathways.

The technology is underpinned by rigorous quality standards which ensure that it meets requirements for medical device development and deployment.

The research is also being tested and validated in real-world healthcare settings. Independent, multi-site evaluation is underway, with additional trials placing devices in GP clinics across the UK.

These collaborations are helping to build robust evidence around performance, usability, and patient impact, while aligning closely with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) priorities for improving UTI diagnostics in primary care.

The work has also led to significant innovation and commercial activity, including the creation of Llusern Scientific, a USW spinout involving Professor Roula, which focused on bringing rapid UTI diagnostics to market. Since its launch, the company has secured £1.7 million in investment, expanded its operations, and strengthened its partnership with USW through ongoing research and development collaboration.

The potential benefits are wide-reaching. For healthcare professionals, rapid molecular diagnostics support more confident, evidence-based decisions at the point of care.

For patients - particularly women and older adults, who are disproportionately affected by UTIs - it means faster diagnosis and more targeted treatment. The accessible, low-cost design also opens opportunities for wider use in lower-resource settings and future applications in veterinary diagnostics.

Looking ahead, the team is focused on completing large-scale evaluations, strengthening the economic case for adoption, and progressing regulatory approvals.

Together, these steps will support the transition from research to routine clinical use - helping to ensure that accurate, timely diagnosis becomes the norm, rather than the exception.