Microfiber Pad Helps Collect Uncontaminated Urine Samples

A new noninvasive microfiber pad draws urine samples in seconds, preventing cross-contamination during collection.

Developed by researchers of the BioDesign team at the Hebrew University (HUJI; Jerusalem, Israel) and Hadassah Medical Center (Jerusalem, Israel), the UCap microfiber urine collection pad contains bundles of hollow glass microfibers that quickly draw urine via capillary action from absorptive pads in just seconds. The remainder of the urine is absorbed by a polymer matrix, thus preventing cross-contamination of the urine sample by contact with the patient’s skin or fecal matter.

The low-cost but highly effective solution can save time and money in the collection of sterile samples from patients especially prone to contract a urinary tract infection (UTI), including infants and bed-ridden hospitalized patients. While sterile urine samples can be readily collected in adults using simple plastic cups, urine collections in infants and hospitalized populations relies on adhesive plastic bags or on invasive catheters.

“Contamination of urine samples from infants and the elderly is so common that physicians often needlessly prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics prophylactically, increasing the risk of developing antibiotic resistant bacteria,” said Amir Orlev, MD, who was part of the multidisciplinary BioDesign team set out to solve the problem under a medical innovation program.

“More than 11 million urine tests are carried out each year in infants and elderly patients. This presents a market of USD 100 million annually in the United States alone,” said BioDesign team member MBA student Itai Monnickendam. “Our low-cost urine collection pad has the potential to reduce pain and complications for millions of people and save time and expenditure for the healthcare system.”

Related Links:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Hadassah Medical Center