Withings has presented an innovative at-home biomarker analysis platform at CES. Called Withings U-Scan, the upcoming smart health product is “a miniature health lab.” Places hygienically in any toilet. And once installed, it will allow you to “reveal the wealth of health information in daily urine.”
The U-Scan is so innovative that it has been awarded the CES 2023 Innovation Award in several categories. Among them, are Fitness and Sports, Smart Home, and Digital Health. Considering how valuable urine is as a substitute for blood, it is undoubtedly a device that can end up helping you check your health with astonishing ease.
How does this so-called U-Scan work?
The U-Scan is Withings’ first attempt at a body fluid analysis device. It has a shell-shaped support that is placed on the edge of the toilet bowl. And once placed, it will look like a scent block you’ve already used. However, by being on the edge of the cup, the Withings U-Scan will capture a small sample of fluid when you are urinating.
Afterward, it will do a minute of analysis and offer you a report on your diet or menstrual cycle. All the information will be available on your phone. This way you can access critical biomarkers whenever you want. As hinted at before, there are two replaceable cartridges available for the Withings U-Scan. The first is Nutri Balance, which offers information on ketones and vitamin C. The second is Cycle Sync. Provides information on hormones, hydration, and pH levels.
How much does this miniature health laboratory cost?
Our urine contains markers for more than 3,000 metabolites. They all offer valuable information about ovulation, exercise, and diet. Furthermore, these metabolites can also act as a means of disease detection. This includes obesity, cancer, chronic inflammation, and many others.
Before these smart devices, like the Withings U-Scan, urine testing wasn’t easy. They were only possible in clinical settings. And it’s good to see that innovative devices are taking their first steps.
Withings will soon launch the consumer version of U-Scan. Additionally, the brand plans to launch a medical-grade model in the future. The device will arrive in European markets in the second quarter of 2023. The starter kit is priced at 400.00 to 500.00 Dollars. It will include a cartridge. And one is enough for three months. There will be the option to buy more as desired.
