An IoT-Based Automatic and Continuous Urine Measurement System

Abstract

Urine output is an important indicator of renal function. In hospitals, urine is collected using a catheter connected to a urine collection bag that has volume gradation markings. This type of visual measurement has low levels of accuracy and is labor-intensive. This paper developed an Internet-of-Things enabled system that continuously monitors the urine volume collected via the urine collection system. The device is built utilizing a strain gauge load cell, an integrated circuit that contains an amplifier, analog-to-digital converter, and a WiFi-enabled microcontroller. The data is sent via wireless networking to a data collection and analysis server, which provides accurate analyses of urine output. A mobile application utilizing the Blynk.io system is used to display the data. This device and mobile application were built at a minimal cost of 26 USD. The device has been tested multiple times and reported urine output accurately, with minimal difference between actual versus measured volumes. In the future, further development of this device can provide hospitals and physicians worldwide with easy access to affordable, accurate, and real-time urine measurement, which would translate into better, life-saving medical care.