Detecting a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) could get easier with an autonomous sensor technology developed by the Purdue University. Researchers at the university have created a bandage-sized, disposable urinary tract infection sensor module. The sensor has a urine-powered battery that can be embedded in a diaper.
When exposed to urine, the battery provides power to the sensor circuitry. The sensor checks for nitrites, chemical compounds commonly associated with urinary tract infections, and wirelessly sends the result to a smartphone app that keeps the data log, and sends the results to the patient, caregiver, and/or the doctor.
Urinary tract infections are very common among women (women have a shorter urethra), and although the infection is not serious, at times, it can affect the kidney too. UTIs are also often not detected in time, as women tend to ignore symptoms or are unaware.
Current methods of detection require a laboratory analysis of urine, sometimes followed by a urine culture too. After this, a doctor prescribes anti-biotics for treatment.
But collecting urine samples can be challenging for infants, and geriatric patients who suffer from neuro-degenerative diseases, say researchers from the Purdue University's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The researchers insist that theirs is the only "autonomous system" as opposed to conventional methods that require the intervention of a patient or a caregiver.
This technology could prove useful for patients who might not be aware of the symptoms, or the need to check for them. The technology, its developers claim, could also be used to check for UTIs on a regular basis, get accurate data and track the infection over time.
Researchers for this technology are now working on diaper embedding methods and smartphone app details, among other related issues.
