A new method to make 24-hour urine collection more convenient: a validity study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Timed 24-hour urine collection is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.
• Conventional 24-hour urine collection methods can be burdensome for patients, potentially leading to poor adherence and inaccurate results.
• Novel approaches are needed to simplify urine collection and improve patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel automated urine collection device that collects a fixed proportion (1/20th) of each void.
• To compare biomarker measurements (volume, creatinine, protein) obtained with the new device against conventional 24-hour urine collection.
• To assess patient adherence and convenience with the new automated urine collection method.

Main Methods:

• Forty healthy volunteers participated in the study.
• Each volunteer provided two 24-hour urine samples: one using the conventional method and one using the new automated device.
• Urine volume, creatinine, and protein levels were measured and compared between the two methods using Bland-Altman plots.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) was observed for all measured urine parameters between the novel device and the conventional method.
• Bland-Altman plots demonstrated a high degree of agreement for volume, creatinine, and protein measurements.
• A majority of participants reported the new automated urine collection device as more convenient.

Conclusions:

• The novel automated urine collection device accurately measures key urine biomarkers compared to traditional 24-hour sampling.
• Collecting a fixed proportion of each void significantly reduces the overall sample volume, enhancing patient adherence.
• This innovative device offers a more convenient and reliable alternative for timed urine collections.