Apparatus, system, and methods for urinalysis

Abstract

Described is an apparatus for inline urine analysis comprising a control unit and at least one image capture unit comprising an image sensor and an optical assembly. The apparatus is configured to be coupled with an indwelling urinary catheter or conduit leading from the catheter. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a dispenser configured to dispense inert or reactive matter into the urine stream to aid in the analysis of properties of the urine and an illumination device configured to illuminate the urine stream. Also described is a system comprising at least one of these apparatuses and at least one image analyzer unit operatively connected to it. The image analyzer unit comprises a processor and software adapted to analyze the captured images to derive information therefrom relating to identification of properties of the urine and / or objects of interest in the urine stream. Embodiments of the system may comprise other peripheral devices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is from the field of medical devices. Specifically the invention relates to apparatus and methods for urine analysis, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for inline urine analysisBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Approximately 30% or more of intensive care patients contract some level of acute kidney injury (AKI) during hospitalization. In many cases this leads to renal failure and necessitates some form of renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or kidney transplant.[0003]Dialysis reduces the quality of life of both the AKI patient and his / her family members. AKI also introduces a significant financial burden on a medical system / insurance system, including hospital beds taken for treatment, length of hospitalization of AKI patients having other treatments and the cost of the treatment itself. Dialysis also incurs significant risks to the patient, such as infection and even death.[0004]Some reasons for the high levels o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a device that uses two polarizing filters to help identify crystals and lipids in urine. The device helps to diagnose and treat urinary disorders.

Problems solved by technology

In many cases this leads to renal failure and necessitates some form of renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or kidney transplant.

Dialysis reduces the quality of life of both the AKI patient and his / her family members.

AKI also introduces a significant financial burden on a medical system / insurance system, including hospital beds taken for treatment, length of hospitalization of AKI patients having other treatments and the cost of the treatment itself.

Dialysis also incurs significant risks to the patient, such as infection and even death.

Some reasons for the high levels of AKI in intensive care patients are the long response times of doctors, failure to diagnose in time, and poor and inaccurate methodologies currently available to estimate glomerular filtration rate and urine output over time as well as lengthy time to obtain the results of urinalysis for urine drawn from the patient.

Unfortunately, despite the importance of urinalysis, prior art methods are labor-intensive, time-sensitive and time consuming, which, to date prevent its effective application.

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