Potential of non-invasive urological disease detection via FTIR-spectroscopy

Metabolite-based diagnostics offer a promising alternative, enabling minimally or non-invasive detection. However, reliable detection techniques need to be developed. Infrared spectroscopy based on gaseous-biofluids or breath holds great promise towards the development of non-invasive diagnostics. This study investigates the potential of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for detecting bacterial species associated with UTIs through analysis of their volatile metabolites. Numerous spectral features corresponding to distinct metabolites were identified. Furthermore, a clinical pilot study based on breath analysis by means of infrared spectroscopy showed promising results in distinguishing prostate cancer patients from healthy volunteers.