Description
The Epicheck Bladder Cancer Test is a simple, accurate, non-invasive urine test used to detect bladder cancer. It is designed to reliably detect high-grade bladder cancer at an early stage, which greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. It can be used for the surveillance of bladder cancer recurrence after treatment, or for screening for bladder cancer.
Epicheck Bladder Cancer Test Leaflet
The test is available from our Cardiff Clinic or can be done at home or work anywhere in the UK and Northern Ireland. The UK laboratory is Cambridge Clinical Laboratory,Endeavour House, Vision Park, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZR.
Bladder EpiCheck: A Patient Guide
An advanced non-invasive urine test for bladder cancer detection
✅ What is Bladder EpiCheck?
Bladder EpiCheck is a non-invasive urine-based molecular test designed to detect bladder cancer. It analyses DNA methylation patterns at 15 sites associated with bladder cancer development. The test produces a clear positive or negative result and an “EpiScore” to indicate cancer risk.
This test is particularly useful for:
- Monitoring for recurrence after treatment of bladder cancer.
- Investigating urinary symptoms such as blood in the urine (haematuria).
- Health screening in individuals at increased risk.
It is CE-marked in Europe, FDA-approved in the US, and is currently being evaluated in UK NHS clinical trials.
How Accurate is the Test?
| Measure | Bladder EpiCheck | Cystoscopy |
| Sensitivity (high-grade cancer) | ~91–92% | 92–100% |
| Specificity | ~84–85% | ~98–100% |
| Negative Predictive Value (NPV) | 99.3% (rules out cancer) | 98–100% |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive (urine sample) | Invasive (camera in bladder) |
| Comfort | Painless | May cause discomfort |
| Availability | Private clinics in the UK | NHS and private clinics |
Bladder EpiCheck has an exceptionally high NPV, meaning if the result is negative, it is highly likely that you do not have high-grade bladder cancer.
How Does It Compare to Cystoscopy?
| Feature | Bladder EpiCheck | Cystoscopy |
| Procedure | Urine test | Camera inserted into the bladder |
| Pain/Discomfort | None | May cause pain, discomfort or UTIs |
| Risk of Complications | None | Small risk of bleeding, infection |
| Monitoring Role | Can reduce the number of cystoscopies needed | Gold standard for bladder cancer |
| Detection of Low-Grade Cancer | Less sensitive (~55–60%) | Excellent (~90%+) |
Key takeaway:
Bladder EpiCheck is particularly helpful for reducing the number of follow-up cystoscopies in patients under surveillance for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, it does not replace cystoscopy entirely—a positive result requires cystoscopic confirmation.
When is Bladder EpiCheck Used?
- Surveillance: To monitor recurrence in patients treated for bladder cancer, alternating with cystoscopy to reduce its frequency.
- Symptomatic Patients: To investigate symptoms such as haematuria or urinary urgency.
- Health Screening: For individuals at higher risk (e.g. smokers, family history of bladder cancer).
⚠️ Limitations
- Not yet widely adopted in the NHS due to pending NICE guidance.
- May miss some low-grade bladder tumours, so cystoscopy remains essential for high-risk patients.
- Currently only available privately in the UK
What Happens if My Test is Positive?
If your result is positive (EpiScore ≥ 60):
✅ You will need a cystoscopy for confirmation and further evaluation.
If your result is negative:
✅ It is highly likely you do not have high-grade bladder cancer, and your healthcare provider will advise when to test again.
Availability
- Private Testing: Bladder EpiCheck is available at Innermost Healthcare and other private clinics. Samples can be collected at home and sent to Cambridge Clinical Laboratories (CCL).
- NHS Trials: Ongoing at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.
Cost
Bladder EpiCheck is not currently covered by the NHS. Patients opting for private testing can spread payments with interest-free plans.
How Do I Arrange a Test?
- Speak to your GP or specialist about your suitability or call us on 0345 2303386 to discuss the test.
- If you decide to go ahead, we will take payment send you a Medical Questionnaire, so we have accurate information and your contact details.
- You will be asked to provide a urine sample at home or in clinic.
- Home test kits can be posted to you with prepaid Royal Mail Track 24 postal pack back to the laboratory.
- Our consultant will ring with your results and discuss them and will email your report.
Further Information
- Innermost Healthcare: innermosthealthcare.com
- Cambridge Clinical Laboratories: camclinlabs.co.uk
Summary
Bladder EpiCheck is a safe, accurate, and non-invasive urine test that can help detect bladder cancer early and reduce the need for invasive cystoscopies. While it is not yet part of routine NHS care, it is a valuable option for private patients or those seeking additional reassurance.
