In May 2025, The London Clinic became the first independent hospital in the UK to offer the GALEAS Bladder test, a non-invasive urine test for bladder cancer. The test was developed by Nonacus Clinical Services, a UK laboratory that provides genomic cancer testing to the NHS and private healthcare providers. This article explains what the GALEAS Bladder test is, how it works and what it may mean for patients.
Why a new test matters
The most common warning sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Traditionally, investigating this has involved a cystoscopy, in which a thin camera is passed through the urethra to look inside the bladder. Cystoscopy is effective, but many patients find it uncomfortable, and most people investigated turn out not to have cancer.
A reliable, non-invasive first step could therefore spare many people an unnecessary procedure, while still identifying those who need further investigation. The NHS describes the symptoms of bladder cancer and when to seek advice.
How the test works
GALEAS Bladder is a simple urine test. It detects changes, known as somatic mutations, in genes that are found across all grades and stages of bladder cancer. Because these changes can be identified in cells shed into the urine, the test can be carried out from a urine sample alone.
According to Nonacus, the test delivers results equivalent to a cystoscopy while being completely non-invasive, offering patients the same diagnostic information with a much better experience.
Growing recognition
In 2023, Bupa became the first UK health insurer to cover the GALEAS Bladder test for its customers, and demand in the private sector has continued to grow. The test is being evaluated by NHS trusts and is now included in the European Association of Urology Guidelines, which set out best practice for urologists across Europe.
Professor Dasgupta's view
Professor Prokar Dasgupta welcomed the availability of the test at The London Clinic:
"I am delighted that GALEAS Bladder is available as a non-invasive urine test for patients presenting with blood in their urine. The London Clinic was the first private hospital to evaluate this in our patients, and we are pleased to be able to make this available as part of the investigations for detecting bladder cancer."
Professor Dasgupta's wider work in urological innovation is described on the achievements page and in his biography.
What happens if the test is positive?
The London Clinic provides rapid diagnostics and a full range of cancer treatments. If bladder cancer is detected, patients receive a personalised treatment plan, which may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery, including robotic surgery, in which the hospital has particular expertise.
Views from partners
Simon Davis, Chief Commercial Officer at Nonacus Clinical Services, said:
"We are thrilled to be working with The London Clinic to bring the latest innovations in genomic testing to their patients, to support the detection of cancer at an early stage, which is critical to patient outcomes."
Jeannie Rigby, Chief Executive Officer at Action Bladder Cancer UK, said the charity was pleased to see the Galeas urine biomarker test being used in a clinical setting:
"Using this test in the early stage of the diagnostic journey has exciting potential to help identify those patients who may have bladder cancer, and to save others from undergoing unnecessary invasive investigative processes."
Part of a wider move to earlier, gentler diagnosis
The GALEAS Bladder test reflects a broader trend in urology towards earlier detection with less invasive tests. A similar approach underpins structured checks for prostate health, described in our article on smart screening for prostate cancer. Our news page collects other recent coverage of Professor Dasgupta's work.
If you have noticed blood in your urine or have concerns about your bladder health, please contact the clinic to arrange an assessment.