Ministry of Economic Affairs TIE showcases innovative medical technology: kidney dialysis test shortened to 15 minutes

The 2026 Taiwan Innovation Technology Expo (TIE) was launched today (17th) at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. The Industrial Technology Department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs gathered more than 13 legal entities and industries to exhibit 64 technologies at the "Innovation Economy Hall". One of the highlight achievements in the medical field is the "Medium-Large Molecular Urine Toxin Measurement Technology (DiaTrack)", which can significantly shorten the detection time from at least 3 hours to 15 minutes. It is expected to benefit nearly 97,000 kidney dialysis patients in Taiwan in the future.

The Technology Department pointed out that there are nearly 97,000 kidney dialysis patients in Taiwan, and the kidney dialysis rate is the highest in the world. However, "medium and large molecular uremic toxins" that are highly related to chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease and other risks still need to draw blood for testing before and after kidney dialysis. It takes 3 hours to know whether the toxins are effectively removed. Therefore, The Technology Department supports ITRI in developing the "Medium-Large Molecule Urinary Toxin Measurement Technology (DiaTrack)", which can be connected in series to the waste end of the kidney dialysis machine. It can complete toxin type and concentration analysis every 15 minutes, shortening the detection time from at least 3 hours to 15 minutes, and the quality of kidney dialysis can be grasped in time during the treatment.

The Technology Department pointed out that the technology completed the proof of concept with Chengda Hospital and jointly won the National Innovation Award. It is expected to be introduced into Chengdu Hospital for field demonstration in the fourth quarter of this year.

In addition, medical-related technologies include the "Chitosan Fiber Textile Development Technology" developed by the Technology Department with support from the Textile Institute. Chitosan, which can attract red blood cells and platelets, is extracted from shrimp, crab shells and mushrooms, and is made into hemostatic gauze and wound dressings using a special weaving method. The hemostatic performance is better than the US military standard. It can be used in cardiac catheterization surgery, and can shorten the post-operative hemostatic time from about 12 hours to 4 hours.

The Technology Department explained that the technology has been transferred to manufacturers such as Kanglid Biotech, and the products have been supplied to the national army and emergency systems, and have been used in Ukrainian war relief through donations and sales.