Diagnostics
for use at the point of need. In cases where humidity measurement leads to strip rejection, repeat testing is necessary; however, if all strips in a container have been exposed to humidity, they may need to be discarded entirely, resulting in resource inefficiency. Urinalysis is used in every care setting, and
millions of tests are conducted globally. Given that modern healthcare demands are putting extreme strain on healthcare systems, investment in POC urinalysis could make a significant improvement in clinical efficiency and patient care. The removal of the intrinsic problems associated with traditional dipsticks, whether read manually or by an electronic analyser, while providing electronic analysis and reporting could enhance urinalysis to the next level.
Digital urinalysis The digital Urine Testing System (UTS) from Clinical Design Technologies (Fig. 4) represents a transformative step towards addressing many of the issues associated with dipsticks. As a fully portable, rechargeable, urine analyser, the system addresses issues such as improper handling, inconsistent dip times, subjective interpretation, and inefficient processes. The system ensures component integrity by using an individually packaged cap that keeps reagents stable until their expiry date. Results are processed in just 90 seconds through an automated procedure, eliminating the need for healthcare professionals to monitor the test and thereby freeing up valuable time. Objective result interpretation is achieved by removing subjectivity, due to consistent digital analysis from a calibrated camera. Only a small urine volume of 3 mL is required, making the system particularly suitable for situations where limited sample quantities are available, such as with paediatric or elderly patients. Infection control is improved by minimising contamination risks, as the design prevents urine from coming into contact with surfaces or analyser trays. The device also supports connectivity and
traceability, offering real-time visibility of test results and integration with electronic patient records to enhance data accuracy, quality control, and traceability. Flexible testing locations are possible, as near-patient testing
Figure 4: UTS Urine Testing System.
reduces sample handling time and prevents confusion between samples. Resource optimisation is achieved through a streamlined testing protocol that helps avoid unnecessary repeat tests and costly, time-consuming laboratory confirmations. Finally, the system delivers true point-of-care testing (POCT) with a hand-held, fully portable design and a battery life of more than ten hours, powered by an integrated rechargeable battery (Fig 4). Investment made by healthcare professionals and their organisations could enable a fundamental change in the approach to urine POCT. A product such as the UTS is needed to allow improved point-of-care urinalysis, while providing laboratory quality accuracy, reliability and reproducibility and the ability to upload test results onto the electronic patient record. CSJ
References 1. The Development of Diagnostic Test Strips. Commemorative booklet, National Historic Chemical Landmarks programme of the American Chemical Society, 2010.
2. Simerville JA, Maxted WC, Pahira JJ. Urinalysis: a comprehensive review. Am Fam Physician. 2005 Mar 15;71(6):1153-62. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician. 2006 Oct 1;74(7):1096.
3. Kasti B, The Wizz Quiz: Understanding Urinalysis, Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, April 2019,
Given that modern healthcare demands are putting extreme strain on healthcare systems, investment in POC urinalysis could make a significant improvement in clinical efficiency and patient care.
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I February 2026 About the author
Julie Elston, is a Product Manager with Alpha Laboratories, who work with clinicians, scientists, and patients across the globe to provide quality products and support for their diagnostic and laboratory requirements. She manages the urinalysis and mycology portfolios. Julie previously worked for 18 years as the
Global Product Manager Immunodiagnostics and AST for Thermo Fisher Scientific, Microbiology Division. During this time launching, managing and promoting over 700 diagnostic products throughout their life cycle.
4. Froom P, Bieganiec B, Ehrenrich Z, Barak M, Stability of common analytes in urine refrigerated for 24 h before automated analysis by test strips, Clin Chem.2000 Sep;46(9):1384-6.
5. Bacârea A, Fekete GL, Grigorescu BL, Bacârea VC. Discrepancy in results between dipstick urinalysis and urine sediment microscopy. Exp Ther Med. 2021 May;21(5):538. doi: 10.3892/ etm.2021.9971.
6. Lindh W, et al., Delmar’s comprehensive medical assisting: administrative and clinical competencies, Cengage Learning. 2013
7. Gennifer T, et al., Robust dipstick urinalysis using a low-cost, micro-volume slipping manifold and mobile phone platform:, Lab Chip. 2016 May 24;16(11):2069–2078
8. Crolla L, Jimenez C, Patel P. Evaluation of an automated humidity check for instrument-read urinalysis strips: A Comparative Study of Three Urinalysis Analyzers. Funded by a grant from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics 2011
9. Gallagher EJ, Schwartz E, Weinstein R.S, Performance characteristics of urine dipsticks stored in open containers The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, Vol. 8, Issue 2, March 1990, Pages 121-123
10. Cohen H.T , Spiegel D.M, Air-exposed urine dipsticks give false-positive results for glucose and false-negative results for blood Am J Clin Pathol. 1991 Sep;96(3):398-400.
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