Label-Free Uric Acid Estimation of Spot Urine Using Portable Device Based on UV Spectrophotometry

The maintenance of uric acid levels is crucial for the human body. In this study, the feasibility of using portable ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry to measure the uric acid of spot urine without the need to add reagents has been demonstrated for the first time. UV spectral analysis has been used to inspect the uric acid concentration in urine. It is found that the absorption spectrum of urine has a high correlation with the concentration of uric acid at a wavelength of around 290-300 nm. Uric acid levels measured with a spectral analyzer compared to uric acid concentrations measured with a traditional biochemical analysis showed good agreement. The portable prototype is label-free and capable of displaying the inspection result of each measurement within 10 s. In the long run, this device can assist people in checking uric acid levels of spot urine with higher frequency and can adjust diet or medication in real time for more efficient health management.

Automated summary

This study demonstrated the feasibility of using a portable UV spectrophotometry device to measure uric acid levels in spot urine without the need for reagents. The absorption spectrum of urine was found to be highly correlated with the concentration of uric acid at a wavelength of 290-300 nm. The portable prototype can display the inspection result within 10 seconds and has the potential to assist in real-time adjustment of diet or medication for more efficient health management.