INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue IX, September 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 15
Peecheck 2.0: Design and Improvement of Rapid and Low-Cost
Urine Analysis Device for Rural Health Care
Rose Ann C. Estoquia., NiΓ±a Nicole F. Galiza., Jullean Jasper D. Historillo., Teejay Marc C. Musca and Kristian Carlo B.
Victorio
Department of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2024.130902
Received: 31 August 2024; Accepted: 16 September 2024; Published: 26 September 2024
Abstract: The research paper introduced improvements to PeeCheck, a portable urine analyzer, addressing the need for versatile,
rapid, and low-cost urine analysis tools, particularly in resource-constrained rural healthcare settings. The focus was on evaluating
the accuracy and speed of reading the urine strip and the electrical characteristics of the portable urine analyzer device across
various parameters. PeeCheck 2.0 represented enhancements in medical diagnostics using urine as a non-invasive sample. By
incorporating the integration of technologies such as versatility in using variations of urine strips and data cloud storage using the
Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontroller, PeeCheck 2.0 was designed to analyze 14 colorimetric urine characteristics, aiding in the
pre-diagnostic of health issues associated with kidney and metabolic-related diseases. The study evaluated PeeCheck 2.0's
performance through the analysis of urine samples collected from 3rd- and 4th-year electrical engineering students and compared
the results with those obtained from standard laboratory urinalysis. The findings highlighted PeeCheck 2.0's potential to enhance
health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities in rural communities by providing healthcare providers with a low-cost and
reliable solution for rapid detection and addressing health concerns in areas with limited resources. The study findings demonstrated
that PeeCheck 2.0 achieved significant accuracy and speed in analyzing urine samples across 10 colorimetric parameters compared
to standard laboratory methods. PeeCheck 2.0 obtained an overall accuracy of 92.470 percent in its analyses. Results from the
evaluation with urine samples collected from electrical engineering students showed a high correlation with laboratory urinalysis,
validating PeeCheck 2.0's efficacy in detecting key indicators of kidney and metabolic-related diseases. However, continuous
programming-based calibration optimized PeeCheck 2.0 by adjusting parameters in real-time with data and sensor feedback,
ensuring consistent accuracy and reliability in urine parameter testing. This research underscored PeeCheck 2.0's role in advancing
medical diagnostics through innovation in urine analysis technology, contributing to improved healthcare delivery and outcomes in
rural and underserved communities.
Keywords: urine reagent strip, color sensor, portable urine analyzer, urinalysis, cloud storage
I. Introduction
Access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for many Filipinos, particularly in rural areas where only 25 percent have access to
essential health services compared to 46 percent in urban areas [1]. Despite recent improvements, such as telemedicine and mobile
health units reaching remote communities [2], there is still a critical need for accessible, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tools.
PeeCheck 2.0 aims to address this gap by providing a versatile and low-cost urine analysis device capable of detecting various
health conditions, including kidney diseases and diabetes, using urine as a non-invasive biomarker [3], [4].This improved version of
PeeCheck enhances diagnostic capabilities in resource-constrained environments, supporting the Philippines' efforts to bridge
healthcare disparities and achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to health, reduced inequalities, and sustainable
communities. By offering a reliable and efficient solution for early health screening, PeeCheck 2.0 has the potential to significantly
improve health outcomes and access to care in rural communities, aligning technical innovation with practical healthcare needs.
Significance of the Study
The rationale for developing PeeCheck 2.0 is primarily practical and focuses on addressing pressing healthcare challenges in rural
and underserved communities in the Philippines. Despite progress in healthcare delivery, significant disparities remain, particularly
in rural areas where access to medical services is limited. PeeCheck 2.0 aims to bridge this gap by providing a low-cost, rapid, and
portable urine analysis tool that leverages telemedicine and AI technologies for health monitoring and early detection of kidney and
metabolic-related diseases.
Practical Significance
ο· Health and Safety: PeeCheck 2.0 offers a crucial solution for monitoring the general health of individuals in rural areas,
where regular access to healthcare professionals is often scarce. By enabling the early detection of health issues through
urine analysis, it helps healthcare providers in these regions address potential concerns promptly and maintain the
well-being of their patients over time.
ο· Economic Benefits: The device is designed to be affordable and accessible, significantly reducing healthcare expenses by
preventing the need for costly treatments and hospitalizations through early detection. It also supports the economy by
improving productivity; healthier individuals are less likely to miss work due to illness. Additionally, rural residents save
on travel costs for healthcare consultations, and healthcare facilities can cut expenses by using PeeCheck 2.0 instead of