Urinalysis: When Automation Becomes Part of the Routine

A urinalysis combines various urine tests and can provide relevant information about metabolic, renal, hepatic, and urinary tract abnormalities. Among the parameters assessed by test strips are pH, specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, leukocytes, nitrite, bilirubin, and urobilinogen. The interpretation of these results depends not only on the chemical reaction of the test strip, but also on how each reaction area is read and on adherence to the specified time intervals for each parameter.

The analysis can be performed using visual-reading test strips or with the help of analyzers that perform instrumental readings. Both options can accommodate different laboratory routine profiles, and the choice depends on factors such as sample volume, workflow, and available infrastructure, including the availability of qualified personnel.

It is in this context that automated reading can be incorporated into the routine: not as a replacement for the entire process, but as a way to automate a critical step in the analysis—the reading of the strip.

From visual reading to automated reading

In visual reading, the professional analyzes the test strip after it has come into contact with the sample. It is necessary to adhere to the times specified for each parameter and compare the color changes observed on the strip with the scale provided by the manufacturer. This step requires careful attention, as the reading of each parameter depends on visual perception and comparison with a reference. Factors such as reaction time, ambient lighting, and the interpreter’s own assessment of color changes can interfere with this evaluation.

It is precisely at this operational stage that automation can bring significant benefits to the routine. When the test strip is read using an analyzer, the evaluation of reactive areas is no longer dependent solely on visual comparison by the professional but is instead performed instrumentally by the equipment. As a result, there is greater standardization in the reading process and a reduction in interference from factors related to visual interpretation, contributing to more reliable results at the stage that will lead to the test report.

In addition to its impact on the standardization of image interpretation, automation also changes the amount of time spent on this step. As image interpretation is performed by the equipment, it becomes possible to process more exams in less time, which can directly contribute to productivity and reduce the time spent on manual image interpretation steps. This benefit becomes even more significant when considering the cost of integrating the analyzers into routine operations, as it allows for the automation of an important operational step without requiring a complex infrastructure or a large investment.

What changes when the reading is taken by the analyzer?

The main change is in the way the strip is analyzed.

In the visual reading, the professional observes the color change for each parameter and visually compares it to the reference scale. In the automated reading, the analyzer performs this measurement instrumentally and displays the results according to the equipment's system, allowing for qualitative and semi-quantitative results, while alerting the operator to any abnormal results that are found.

This difference is important mainly because the reading is no longer done manually—with all the risks that entails—but is instead performed by a machine, especially in settings with a high volume of exams.

In addition to reading samples, the analyzers offer features that greatly assist with routine workflow tasks, such as sample identification via barcode, result storage, printing, interface capabilities, and various processing modes, allowing the operator to work in continuous or single-step mode.

In other words, automating the reading process does not mean removing the professional from the process. It means transferring a critical step of the operation to the equipment, while leaving the professional responsible for preparing the sample, inserting the strip into the equipment, and monitoring the process.

When does automation start to make sense in your daily routine?

There is no single way to perform a urinalysis. Visual reading of the test strip remains an important option for different types of laboratories and is part of the Ebram Urinalysis Line.

A URISTRIP 10 Visual This Ebram test strip is designed for visual interpretation and allows for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of 10 urinary parameters by comparing color changes. It is a suitable option for routine testing where visual interpretation meets the volume of tests.

When the sample volume increases or when the laboratory seeks greater reliability in its analyses and wants to reduce the number of visual inspection steps, automated reading may become a viable option.

In this scenario, the analyzer handles the instrumental reading of the strip, while the professional remains responsible for the other steps in the process.

Once automated testing becomes a natural part of the routine, the choice of analyzer should also take into account the volume of tests and the laboratory’s workflow. For this reason, the Ebram Urinalysis Line offers two models: the EB URIPLUS 120 and EB URIPLUS 500, which have different capacities and processing methods. Below, learn about the features of each piece of equipment.

EB URIPLUS 120: Automated Meter Reading for Smaller Volumes in Routine Operations

O EB URIPLUS 120 performs automated reading of up to 11 parameters urinary tracts and can operate in different modes, including single-step and continuous processing.

EB URIPLUS 120 conducts the instrumental reading e guides the steps of the process, including instructions on when to dip the strip in urine and when to insert it into the device. In this way, the analyzer assists with every step, from strip preparation to reaction time to reading the strip.

The device also features a barcode scanner, interface capabilities, a built-in thermal printer, and memory for up to 10,000 results.

With a capacity of up to 120 tests per hour, it can be used in routines that aim to incorporate automated reading without the need for continuous, high-volume processing.

EB URIPLUS 500: for routines with a higher sample volume

When the volume of urinalysis samples is high, processing throughput becomes an important factor.

O EB URIPLUS 500 runs through 500 tests per hour and features continuous strip loading. The device is equipped with a sensor for automatic strip detection. This means the operator does not have to wait for one strip to be read before inserting the next one. The strips can be inserted sequentially after contact with the sample, while the analyzer controls the reaction time and performs the readings in sequence. The device also features a compartment for collecting used strips, reducing the need for intervention during processing.

Just like the EB URIPLUS 120, the EB URIPLUS 500 performs reading up to 11 parameters and includes features such as a barcode reader, the ability to interface with other systems, and the ability to identify altered results.

From visual reading to automated reading, the Ebram Urinalysis Line offers options for different processing needs. The URISTRIP 10 Visual allows for visual reading, while the URI PLUS 11 is used in automated readings by analyzers EB URIPLUS 120 and EB URIPLUS 500. Learn about the features of each product and find the option that best suits your daily needs.

Learn more about Ebram's Urinalysis Line at https://materiais.ebram.com/uroanalise