The U-Scan is a breakthrough in health monitoring, designed to perform precise chemical analysis of urine from the comfort of home. But how exactly does this pebble-shaped device turn a daily biological function into actionable health data?

Here is an inside look at the technology behind the world's first hands-free connected home urine lab.

U-Scan's Design

U-Scan consists of two components: 

• The Reader, which is the main body of the device, containing the unique technology that support the urinalysis function. The Reader features a patented "shell" design with a specific ergonomic curve to ensure urine flows correctly to the collection point. The Reader is designed to take in water from toilet flushes, both to help clear its inner fluid collection tube and to clean its surface.
• The Cartridge, which is installed inside the Reader and contains the urine test strips which are analyzed by the Reader.

Currently, there are two Cartridges available for U-Scan:

• Nutrio, which provides 4 essential biometrics that are analyzed every measurement to gauge your overall health and wellness.
• Calci, which focuses on proactive kidney health management.

Installing U-Scan

U-Scan attaches to the front of your toilet bowl using the toilet clip. This arm comes in various sizes (S/M/L) to fit different toilet shapes. It is important to note that selecting the right clip for the toilet is essential for proper urine collection. Without this, your urine flow may not come into contact with the U-Scan to allow a proper urinalysis measurement. 

Please see our dedicated article on installing U-Scan to your toilet. 

How U-Scan Detects and Collects Urine

Measurements can be launched manually, following a schedule that is determined by you during the installation process with the Withings app. 

• Detection: A thermal sensor located at the collection point detects the presence of urine by a rise in temperature, allowing it to distinguish between urine and toilet water. 
• Collection: Once urine is detected, the system triggers a pump. The sample is pulled into the device through a sophisticated fluid collection tube / microfluidic circuit. This internal "plumbing" moves the liquid with high precision to the testing area.

Chemical Analysis

This is where the combination of mechanical engineering and chemistry happens. 

The U-Scan's chemical analysis follows a precise sequence:

1. Injection: Once the urine is routed to the test area, a specialized internal mechanism involves a small needle which injects the sample onto a colorimetric test strip (chemical paper that changes color based on reaction) from the Cartridge.
2. Reaction: The urine reacts with the chemical reagents on the strip.
3. Optical Reading: A built-in LED illuminates the strip which is analysed by an internal sensor focused on the strip reagent pads.
4. Algorithmic Analysis: This visual data is sent to the U-Scan's processor. A proprietary algorithm analyzes the color values to determine the precise concentration of specific biomarkers.

Cleaning and Charging

Hygiene is a critical for a device located inside of a toilet bowl. Keeping it clean prevents malfunction and inaccurate measurements. U-Scan uses its Station to both charge and clean itself. Please see our article on the Station for instructions on how to both clean and charge U-Scan. 

For more info on the components of U-Scan, please see our dedicated article.