Challenge

When suspecting urine infections or chronic diseases, a urine analysis is needed for diagnostic purposes. The normal procedure for collecting urine samples is a simple method in which a clean container is used to collect the sample while the person urinates. Unfortunately people with cognitive or physical disability, elderly people with limitations in mobility or neonatal patients, are completely dependent on someone else for the sample collection, therefore their alternatives include invasive methods such as Foley catheter and pubic puncture or ineffective techniques like the use of adhesion of urine bags. All of these techniques have significant drawbacks including low effectiveness rate, the need of specialized medical personnel for the procedure to be done, high risk of infection and especially patient discomfort.

Solution

Most of the patients that depend on someone else for their daily activities are usually diaper users. Bioana incorporated an innovative device inside a regular diaper that allows the collection of the urine sample in a safe, effective and non-invasive way. The materials utilized for the construction of the collection device were tested to preserve the integrity of the urine components assuring an accurate diagnostic. The innovative design works as a unidirectional membrane being able to effectively contain the urine sample collected inside the reservoir once it comes in. Then an indicator in the diaper alerts for the presence of urine. The sample is then extracted using an external component pre-charged with negative pressure suctioning the urine through a flexible tube to the container that can be taken to the laboratory for analysis.

Results

The RECOPAD® design resulted in comfortable non-invasive device that is able to collect an effective urine sample without hassle. It reduces time and costs for the laboratories without sacrificing patient’s comfort. Patent issued PCT/MX2015/000142.

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