Effect of vacuum and non-vacuum urine collection systems on urinalysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vacuum urine collection system on urine sediment and chemical dipstick analysis results by comparing it with a non-vacuum urine collection system. Vacuum urine collection systems are commonly used due to their user-friendly design, standardization, and low contamination risk, but their impact on the accuracy of urinalysis is not well-documented. A total of 124 urine specimens were collected from patients using vacuum and non-vacuum (Argeron UriCollecT) urine collection systems. The samples were analyzed using Dirui FUS-200 sediment and Dirui H-800 dipstick analyzers within 1 h of collection. Microscopic sediment analyses were confirmed when needed. Microscopic urine sediment analyses showed no significant difference between vacuum and non-vacuum systems for leukocytes, squamous epithelium, non-squamous epithelium, and hyaline casts. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for red blood cells, crystals, and granular casts. In chemical dipstick analysis, no significant difference was found for hemoglobin, bilirubin, ketone, urobilinogen, protein, nitrite, leukocyte, glucose, and pH. However, significant difference was observed in specific gravity (p < 0.05). Vacuum urine collection systems can cause statistically significant variations in certain sediment and chemical dipstick parameters. These differences should be considered in clinical evaluations, and further research with larger and diverse patient samples is needed to assess the clinical implications and effects on patient outcomes.