URINALYSIS
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 EPRs to enhance data accuracy, quality control, and traceability. Flexible testing locations are possible, as near- patient testing 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
education/whatischemistry/landmarks/ diagnosticteststrips/development-of- diagnostic-test-strips-commemorative- booklet.pdf
2
Simerville JA, Maxted WC, Pahira JJ. Urinalysis: a comprehensive review. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(6):1153-1162.
3 Kasti B, The Wizz Quiz: Understanding Urinalysis. (Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 2019) htps://ksvdl. org/resources/news/diagnostic_insights_ for_technicians/april2019/understanding-
urinalysis.html
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;46(9):1384-1386.
5 Bacârea A, Fekete GL, Grigorescu BL, Bacârea VC. Discrepancy in results between dipstick urinalysis and urine sediment microscopy. Exp Ther Med. 2021;21(5):538. doi:10.3892/etm.2021.9971
Fig 4. UTS Urine Testing System.
laboratory confirmations. Finally, the system delivers true point-of-care test with a hand-held, fully portable design and a batery life of more than ten hours, powered by an integrated rechargeable batery (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 EPR.
PPi
Acknowledgement This article first appeared in the February 2026 issue of The Clinical Services Journal, and is reproduced here by kind permission.
References 1
Ginsberg J. National Historic Chemical Landmark - The Development of Diagnostic Test Strips. (American Chemical Society, 2010)
www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/
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.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM February 2026
6 Lindh WQ. Delmar’s comprehensive medical assisting: administrative and clinical competencies. 4th edn. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
7 Smith GT, Dwork N, Khan SA, et al. Robust dipstick urinalysis using a low-cost, micro- volume slipping manifold and mobile phone platform. Lab Chip. 2016;16(11):2069-2078. doi:10.1039/c6lc00340k
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. (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, 2014)
www.marvena-dx.com/wp-content/ uploads/2024/09/White-Paper-Auto- Checks-A-Comparative-Study.pdf
9 Gallagher EJ, Schwartz E, Weinstein RS. Performance characteristics of urine dipsticks stored in open containers. Am J Emerg Med. 1990;8(2):121-123. doi:10.1016/0735-6757(90)90197-8
10 Cohen HT, Spiegel DM. Air-exposed urine dipsticks give false-positive results for glucose and false-negative results for blood. Am J Clin Pathol. 1991;96(3):398-400. doi:10.1093/ajcp/96.3.398
Julie Elston, is a Product Manager with Alpha Laboratories, which works 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.
www.alphalabs.co.uk
Clinical Design Technologies
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