Fundamental Study of Dipstick Urinalysis Judgment with Image-Analyzing System for Urine Albumin

Abstract

Early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) promotes early intervention to prevent renal failure. Although recommended by a CKD guideline 2018, screening using dipstick urinalysis remains suboptimal. One obstacle is that patients may not be screened for urine abnormalities at a primary care clinic. This report proposes a low-cost, simple, and accurate system of dipstick urinalysis judgment with image analysis. We prepared four different concentration samples by diluting urine pool products with distilled water. We placed a urine dipstick on a color chart and then photographed it using a smartphone. To acquire color information from images, we developed an image-analyzing system and judged the dipstick of urine albumin. Results from the original and conventional systems were then compared. In conclusion, this system has the potential to be used for dipstick urinalysis judgment.