A new smart sensor system integrated into urinary catheters is enabling continuous, real-time spectroscopic urine monitoring, potentially offering earlier detection of urinary tract infections (UTIs) than traditional laboratory cultures. The system, detailed in a study published in Scientific Reports in March 2025, measures light intensity across 288 channels, capturing detailed spectral data from urine samples.
The prototype device combines a mini-spectrometer with a custom lens array and hyperspectral illumination source. Researchers analyzed 401 urine samples collected from 168 patients, using statistical models in R software to correlate spectral data with standard clinical laboratory values. The system demonstrated accurate detection of bilirubin, erythrocytes, pH, protein, specific gravity, and urobilinogen, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values indicating good to very good discrimination. However, parameters like glucose and nitrite, which do not absorb light within the measured spectrum, showed minimal correlation with the spectral data.
UTIs remain a significant concern, particularly for individuals requiring catheterization. A study published in August 2023 in The Journal of Clinical Medicine examined a new intermittent urinary micro-hole zone catheter, finding enhanced performance in bladder emptying, a factor that can contribute to UTI prevention. Although the study focused on catheter design to improve bladder emptying, the new spectroscopic system offers a complementary approach by focusing on early infection detection.
Current guidelines from the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine acknowledge that definitive proof linking indwelling catheters directly to increased UTIs remains elusive, but continuous monitoring offers a proactive approach. The smart catheter system aims to address the limitations of current monitoring methods, which are often labor-intensive and susceptible to documentation errors.
Researchers at Coloplast A/S, who collaborated on the intermittent catheter study, have been exploring innovations in catheter design. A separate development, highlighted in January 2024, involved a catheter design aided by artificial intelligence to help prevent bacterial infections. This work, while distinct from the spectroscopic monitoring system, underscores the ongoing efforts to reduce UTI risk associated with catheter utilize. The smart catheter system’s ability to provide continuous analysis of parameters absorbing within the visible light spectrum represents a potential advancement in urine monitoring.
