FAQ Updated: February 24, 2025

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. In conjunction with the Withings App, it is also a wellness assistant, able to provide personalized lifestyle recommendations (e.g. sleep, nutrition, physical activity).

I am participating in the Soft Launch and want to return U-Scan for a refund. Is this possible? 

No. Due to hygienic precautions, we are not accepting refund requests for U-Scans as part of the Soft Launch event. This term was provided to all participants in communications, as well as at the Checkout on our Webstore.  

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+ for €/$349.95.
  This package is intended for users who will perform 2-4 urinalysis measurements per week. 
• Intensive Package: 1 Reader, 1 Station, 4 Nutrio cartridges and 3 months of Withings+ for €/$499.95.
  This package is intended for users who will perform 5-7 urinalysis measurements per week. 

What are the technical features 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 removable cover and charging cable.

What is the U-Scan Nutrio Cartridge intended for?

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.

Who can use the U-Scan Nutrio Cartridge?

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, the Nutrio Cartridge may only be used by people aged 18 and over.

How many parameters can be analyzed in a Cartridge?

Each cartridge includes around 100 biomarker results, which by design provides up to 3 months of testing when following the recommended measurement plan in the Withings App.

Is the U-Scan Nutrio Cartridge considered a medical device?

The U-Scan Nutrio Cartridge is not a medical device, but is intended to encourage and/or help the user maintain a healthy lifestyle. The data provided is only given for information, and will not replace results from test conducted in a medical laboratory.

How accurate is U-Scan Nutrio?

The analytical performance of the U-Scan Nutrio cartridge was evaluated using a semi-quantitative approach, where each numerical value displayed corresponds to a specific range or “block”. To ensure accuracy, rigorous testing was conducted using urine pools, urine controls and individual urine samples. In terms of precision, 97 % of pH samples are accurately estimated, 87 % in the case of specific gravity, 100 % in the case of ketones, and 99 % in case of vitamin C. The strips are also evaluated in terms of interference and stability. You can find the detailed results in this article.

Can I use U-Scan with multiple users?

No, U-Scan is a single-user device. This also means that every measurement taken on the device will be attributed to the same user. 

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 variously sized toilet clips which make it able to adapt to most toilet sizes and lengths.

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

U-Scan was specifically designed to live in the toilet environment. When properly sealed, 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.

Please see our dedicated article on how to clean the U-Scan. 

Can I flush the toilet after taking a measurement?

Yes; as noted, the flush water will help clean the surface of the U-Scan after taking a measurement. 

Can I clean my toilet with the U-Scan inside?

No, please remove U-Scan from your toilet before cleaning the toilet. Toilet bowl and bathroom cleaners often contain abrasive chemicals that can damage U-Scan. 
 

Why does my U-Scan make whirring mechanical noises? 

Every day at 11 am,  U-Scan will automatically purge its fluid collection tube (used to collect your urine sample) by blowing air into the tube. This process is meant to remove any incidental fluid that is remaining inside the collection tube to ensure that the next measurement is as accurate as possible and to avoid any buildup of humidity within the device. 

If you hear it making a noise any other time, it is most likely a background firmware update. Additionally, the device will make noise as it collects your measurement sample. 

What does the status light on my U-Scan mean? 

Please see our dedicated article on the various status light colors and their meaning.

Can I use U-Scan if I'm on my period?

No, please avoid U-Scan usage if for any reason you have blood in your urine, as it will interfere with accurate urinalysis and potentially damage the device.