The pad is capable of separating the skin-borne bacteria or fecal matter that sometimes contaminates the urine sample when clinicians try to diagnose an infection. Beyond making samples easier to test for infection, the researchers suggest the innovation has potential to curb the overprescription of antibiotics by mitigating risk of contamination during sample collection for infants and bedridden patients — a common cause for clinicians ordering broad-spectrum antibiotics.
“More than 11 million urine tests are carried out each year in infants and elderly patients,” Itai Monnickendam and Simi Hinden, MBA students working with the group as part of The Hebrew University’s BioDesign program, said in a news release. “This presents a market of $100 million annually in the United States alone.“
UTI diagnoses are often complicated by difficulties collecting sterile samples of urine from at-risk patients, and the researchers say use of the microfiber pad helps to collect those samples more efficiently and more quickly.
More articles on infection control:
Researchers reveal ‘tentacles’ UTI bacteria use to stay put during infection
Infographic highlights proper disinfection practices for CLABSI prevention
Washington University treats recurring UTI with experimental microbiota-based drug candidate
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.