The interstitial space is the primary source of lymph and is a major fluid compartment in the body. While the anatomy and composition of the interstitial space between cells is increasingly understood, the existence, location, and structure of larger inter- and intra-tissue spaces is described only vaguely in the literature.
For the first time, extraction of bio-rich interstitial fluid (IF) with all its components will be available for multiple health applications. This addition to the medical professional’s toolkit opens the door to a range of opportunities. For scientists, physicians, veterinarians, and hospital professionals, there is the chance to perform continuous or periodic monitoring of critical biomarkers that are prevalent in diseases. The information learned from this fluid can help clinicians, researchers, and biopharmaceutical developers overcome the limitations of plasma and serum monitoring.
Neil D. Theise, MD, Found that the Interstitium, Long Thought to be Mere Connective Tissue, Serves a Unique & Critical Function In March, when Neil D. Theise, MD, published a study in Scientific Reports promoting an unsung network of fluid-filled compartments beneath the skin—known collectively as the interstitium—as a full-fledged human organ, he knew he was onto something big. He just didn’t know how big. The report was greeted by 2,400 news articles, nearly 3.8 billion online views, and no small bit of controversy, as scientists continue to debate the implications of his …
The interstitial space is the primary source of lymph and is a major fluid compartment in the body. While the anatomy and composition of the interstitial space between cells is increasingly understood, the existence, location, and structure of larger inter- and intra-tissue spaces is described only vaguely in the literature.
*THe KIFFIK Lab is not FDA cleared. For investigational use only.
Use Case: Women's Health
Use Case: Military & PolyTrauma
Field-ready diagnostics for high-consequence decisions.
The challenge.
In military and trauma settings, rapid diagnosis can mean the difference between life and loss. Yet current tools often require centralized labs, invasive procedures, or lag-time results — none of which are ideal in field, combat, or mass casualty environments.
The opportunity.
KIFFIK’s non-invasive ISF platform could deliver real-time biomarker data directly at the point of injury — enabling rapid triage, injury stratification, and early detection of complications like internal bleeding, systemic inflammation, or infection. Designed for portability and ease of use, the platform can support frontline teams with fast, actionable insight.
Clinical application:
Triage of blast injuries, blunt trauma, and polytrauma
Early detection of inflammatory cascade and internal bleeding
Remote deployment in field hospitals, medevac, or battlefield medicine
Potential biomoarkers:
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
S100B (neurotrauma indicator)
Lactate (tissue hypoxia)
D-dimer (coagulation dysfunction)
Myoglobin (muscle damage)
TNF-α (systemic inflammation)
When every second counts, insight can’t wait for the hospital. KIFFIK’s platform is designed to move with the mission — delivering data where it’s needed most.
Use Case: Prostate Cancer
ISF Research & Biomarker Discovery
Use Case: Sepsis
Catching the cascade before it crashes the system.
The challenge.
Sepsis progresses rapidly and often invisibly in its early stages. Current diagnostic tools rely on lagging indicators or generalized clinical signs, leaving critical intervention windows missed.
The opportunity.
KIFFIK’s platform offers the potential to detect sepsis-associated biomarkers in ISF at the earliest stages of dysregulation. This enables real-time insight into immune response and systemic inflammation — allowing for faster, more targeted intervention when it’s most needed.
Clinical application:
Emergency departments
ICUs and high-risk inpatient settings
Resource-limited environments and field hospitals
Potential biomoarkers:
Procalcitonin (PCT)
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha)
Lactate
When sepsis moves fast, we have to move faster. KIFFIK’s platform could help detect the warning signs before symptoms spiral.
Use Case: Skin Health
Turning the surface into a source of insight.
The challenge.
Skin is the body’s largest organ — and one of the most visible — yet its health is often assessed only through surface observation or delayed biopsies. Whether in dermatology clinics or personal care, there’s limited access to underlying biological signals that reveal what’s really happening beneath the surface.
The opportunity.
By accessing biomarkers directly from interstitial fluid within the skin, KIFFIK’s platform may unlock real-time, molecular-level insight into inflammation, immune activity, and cellular stress. This supports both clinical care and proactive skin wellness — from chronic disease management to personalized skincare.
Clinical application:
Dermatology: Non-invasive assessment of skin inflammation, disease flares (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), and potentially early indicators of melanoma or other skin cancers
Beauty & Wellness: Real-time monitoring of skin barrier integrity, hydration, oxidative stress, and treatment response for personalized skincare routines
Potential biomoarkers:
Interleukin-1α (IL-1α)
Interleukin-8 (IL-8)
TNF-α
MMP-9 (Matrix metalloproteinase-9)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) markers
The skin is always speaking — through irritation, inflammation, and subtle shifts. With ISF, we can finally hear it clearly, and respond in real time.
Use Case: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Real-time insight into invisible injuries
The challenge.
TBI often presents without visible symptoms, especially in early stages. Traditional tools like imaging and clinical exams can miss subtle, evolving changes — delaying care when time is critical.
The opportunity.
Through interstitial fluid, KIFFIK’s platform may enable early detection of TBI by capturing biomarker signals linked to inflammation, neurotrauma, and cellular stress. This could transform how we identify and manage brain injury — from emergency departments to military and athletic settings.
Clinical application:
Emergency medicine
Sports concussion protocols
Military and remote triage
Potential biomoarkers:
GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein)
UCH-L1 (Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1)
S100B
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Tau protein fragments
Early detection of brain injury doesn't have to wait for imaging. With ISF, it could happen in minutes — where it matters most.
Use Case: Colorectal Cancer
Early detection without delay — or discomfort.
The challenge.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, yet screening rates remain low due to fear, discomfort, and the invasiveness of traditional tests. Many cases go undetected until advanced stages, when outcomes are poorer and costs are higher.
The opportunity.
KIFFIK Lab delivers a non-invasive, point-of-care test for colorectal cancer screening — offering a patient-friendly alternative to colonoscopy, blood draws, and stool-based tests. By accessing ISF biomarkers through the skin, our platform enables earlier insight, faster decision-making, and broader screening access.
Clinical application:
Routine screening in primary care and outpatient settings
Non-invasive option for screening-hesitant populations
Expanded access for underserved and remote communities
Potential biomoarkers:
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Methylated DNA markers (e.g., SEPT9)
MMP-9 (Matrix metalloproteinase-9)
Interleukin-8 (IL-8)
Calprotectin (inflammatory marker)
Colorectal cancer can be prevented — if it's detected early. KIFFIK makes screening simpler, faster, and more human.