Image of the Withings U-Scan pee monitor
Ofsmart scalewithbeauty watchThe well-known French manufacturer Withings has officially entered the field of medical analysis. The U-Scan they released at CES is a device that can collect and analyze urine, is shaped like a pebble and 90mm in diameter, and usually just needs to be hung inside the toilet like a deodorant ball. There is a urine collection port at its lowest point. After the sensor on the surface detects the presence of urine, the micropump inside the device will automatically activate to send a small amount of urine into the body. The sample then triggers a chemical reaction in the microfluidic system inside the U-Scan, and after analysis, the user can know the state of his body.
The bottom of U-Scan is equipped with replaceable test cartridges to meet your different detection needs. So far, Withings has partnered with two medical centers in Europe, looking to explore ways to use U-Scans to find kidney stones and bladder cancer. In fact, U-Scan was originally developed to facilitate decentralized clinical trials, which the company hopes can be used for large-scale cancer screening.
For the consumer market, Withings has developed U-Scan Cycle Sync and U-Scan Nutri Balance. The former can be used for menstrual tracking and can predict ovulation cycles, hydration levels, and nutritional levels. The latter can provide a “detailed metabolic guide for hydration and nutrition”, which can help users better understand their water balance, nutritional level, fat metabolism, vitamin C content and other information on the physical condition. More importantly, through U-Scan Nutri Balance, you can also monitor your ketone body data and urine pH, which will help you judge whether your eating habits are healthy enough.
After processing, U-Scan will transmit the test results to Withings server via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (the factory emphasizes that it will comply with the European GDPR regulations) and reset the test box to prepare for the new test. According to the official statement, this device is able to distinguish different family members and perform the corresponding tests for them separately. In addition, U-Scan generally needs to charge and replace the test box every three months, and charging is done via USB-C.
Under Withings’ current plan, U-Scan will be the first to be launched in Europe in Q2 2023. A basic kit comprising the reader and a test cartridge (both Cycle Sync and Nutri Balance versions) costs 500 euros , with refills that should cost 30 euros.
