Abstract
In this study, we aimed to develop a less invasive urine collection sheet and evaluated its efficacy compared to the conventional collection method. We included in the study 100 adults and 48 children aged ≥18 and 4-6 years, respectively, who had fasted for ≥ three h (i.e., consumed no food or beverages other than water or tea). We divided midstream urine samples into two portions: directly measured and re-collected through the urine collection sheet. We used intraclass correlation coefficients and weighted kappa coefficients for statistical analysis. Creatinine-adjusted urinary protein and urinary creatinine exhibited high correlations between the two collection methods both in adults and children. Qualitative urinary protein results demonstrated almost perfect agreement. In contrast, urinary sediment analysis revealed was moderate and poor in adults and children, respectively. Then, the culture test results were inconsistent. These results suggest that the urine collection sheet is effective for general qualitative urine testing. However, further device improvement would be required for reliable urinary sediment analysis.
