FAQ Updated: Oct 1st, 2024

What is U-Scan?

U-Scan is a new product category at Withings which aims to unlock the wealth of health information to be found via regular at-home urine analysis. It is a versatile cartridge-based platform able to detect, measure, and analyze multiple parameters found in urine.

Are the U-Scan cartrides considered medical devices?

The U-Scan cartridges are not medical devices, but are intended to encourage and/or help the user maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What is the U-Scan Nutrio Cartridge intended for?

U-Scan Nutrio is a wellness assistant, consisting of an app, of a connected reader and consommables (cartridges) which will allow the follow-up of the evolution of certains urinary parameters (water balance, acid-base balance, vitamin C levels and energy metabolism) to provide personalized lifestyle recommendations (e.g. sleep, nutrition, physical activity).

U-Scan Nutrio can detect and measure the following parameters:

• Specific gravity to determine water balance.
  
• pH to determine acid-base balance.
  
• Ketones for energy metabolism.
  
• Vitamin C levels.

Can I use U-Scan Nutrio?

U-Scan Nutrio was designed for anyone who is interested in balancing their nutritional health by analyzing key parameters alongside expert-reviewed and actionable insights (e.g. workouts, recipes, tips) to achieve their goals.

Because urine parameters reference ranges are very different for babies, children and teens, we don’t recommend that people under 18 use the Nutrio cartridge.

U-Scan Nutrio and the Withings App are not medical devices, and will not be aimed to deliver a diagnostic, to cure or to control diseases.

The data are only given for information, and will not replace results from test conducted in a medical laboratory.

How accurate is U-Scan?

Performance has been validated by a third-party lab accuracy study.

What are the technical features (size / weight / components) of U-Scan?

U-Scan is composed of 3 parts:

• The Reader: This technologically advanced pebble-shaped device contains all the components required for urine sample collection, analysis by optical means, and data transfer by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
  
• The Cartridge: This interchangeable component is a cylindrical plastic part inserted in the Withings U-Scan Reader which contains dozens of test pods composed of chemical reagents which can detect the level of various human biomarkers in urine.
• The Station: Included with the reader is the cleaning and charging station for when the U-Scan needs either or both. It comes with a removeable cover and charging cable.

What connectivity is required to use U-Scan?

The Withings U-Scan Reader is equipped with BLE and Wi-Fi connectivity. The test results are transmitted by Wi-Fi, as a result U-Scan cannot be used without a functional wifi connection. A BLE-ready smartphone with iOS 16 or Android 12 or higher is required to install the device.

How long does the U-Scan battery last?

The U-Scan battery is designed to last for up to 3 months, and each cartridge is also designed to last for 3 months.

Is my toilet compatible with U-Scan?

U-Scan is designed to be compatible with most Western-style toilets. The device can be mounted within the toilet bowl thanks to an included fixation arm. The product includes several fixation arm sizes making it able to adapt to most toilet shapes.

How does the U-Scan device stay clean within the toilet?

U-Scan was specifically designed to live in the toilet environment. When closed, the product is splash and water resistant, urine or toilet pollutants cannot penetrate to the inside.

U-Scan is made with a glass-fiber reinforced material that can resist the toilet environment. The product's surface is designed to be rinsed with each toilet flush, just like the ceramic of the toilet bowl.

How much does U-Scan cost?

Users will initially be able to purchase U-Scan in two bundles:

• Proactive Package: 1 Reader, 1 Station, 1 Nutrio cartridge and 3 months of Withings+ - €/$349.95.
• Intensive Package: 1 Reader, 1 Station, 4 Nutrio cartridges and 3 months of Withings+ - €/$499.95.

How do you change your cartridge or charge the device?

If already installed, you simply remove U-Scan from your toilet via the fixation arm and follow cleansing instructions.

Open the device by unscrewing the front case to access the inside of the product. Remove the cartridge if already inserted, and insert the new cartridge. Then go to the Withings App to follow the installation procedure.

While open, plug the USB-C charging cable to the reader’s port and a power source. Once charged, remove the charging cable and close up the front case.

How many parameters can be analyzed in a cartridge?

Each cartridge includes more than 100 biomarker results, which is designed to provide up to 3 months of testing when following the recommended measurement plan in the Withings App.