Revolutionising urinalysis: How automation is transforming vital diagnostic tool

Shobhit Jain, Sr. Manager, Product-Clinical Chemistry & Urinalysis, Sysmex India Pvt Ltd talks about the need for automation in urinalysis

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Urinalysis, despite its potential to provide crucial diagnostic formation, has long been a segment of in vitro diagnostics (IVD) that largely relies on conventional, manual techniques. Most laboratories still prefer these traditional methods over automated urine examination, even though urine tests offer vital insights into various health conditions. The clinical utility of urinalysis has been significantly hampered by the limitations of these manual methods, encompassing both biochemical analysis and microscopy. While reagent strips have improved biochemical analysis, the microscopic examination has continued to pose challenges.

The need for automation in urinalysis

Several factors contribute to the limitations of manual urinalysis, including:

• Lack of standardisation: Manual processes often lead to inconsistencies in results.

• Person-to-person variation: Human involvement introduces variability in sample preparation and interpretation.

• Preanalytical: Centrifugation and slide preparation.

These challenges highlight the critical need for a fully automated system that minimises human involvement and maximises efficiency.