OAKVILLE, Ont. – Siemens Healthineers has introduced the new Atellica 1500 Automated Urinalysis System – an automated microscopy device that can analyze 106 – 240 samples per hour, and saves results and images directly to a computer database.

Atellica 1500 combines two distinct systems – the CLINITEK Novus Automated Urine Chemistry Analyzer and the UAS800 Urine Sediment Analyzer into one completely-automated unit.

The CLINITEK Novus Automated Urine Chemistry Analyzer combines urine strip technology with cutting-edge digital imaging, and the UAS800 Urine Sediment Analyzer is a fully automated sediment analyzer designed to minimize the need for manual microscopy. “Combining these technologies into one unique system streamlines detection of urinary tract infection and early kidney disease,” said Maya Daaboul, global marketing manager, Siemens Healthineers.

To-date, more than 100 units have been sold globally; the Atellica UAS 800 was licensed for sale by Health Canada in September 2017. Siemens announced the official launch in early May 2018 inviting users to see the new Atellica up close at company headquarters to learn about its ease-of-use and advantages.

The Atellica 1500 quickly and accurately analyzes 14 different categories of sediment particles in urine samples, among which are white blood cell, red blood cell, epithelial cells and bacteria. It streamlines the urinalysis automation process by minimizing the need for user intervention, thereby improving efficiency and reducing human error. “It’s definitely forward thinking,” said Arin Ellis, point of care field marketing manager, Siemens Healthineers.

The Atellica 1500 Automated Urinalysis System is sought to reduce the need for manual microscopy due to its clear Full field-of-view images. The Atellica UAS800 analyzer can be run in either Automatic Mode or Manual Mode. In Manual Mode, a technician can use the system like an actual microscope and manually focus on an image. It’s slower but can be used for educational purposes and for challenging and interesting samples.

By utilizing a dual-focus Microscope, the Atellica 1500 Automated Urinalysis System guarantees high field-of-view image clarity and quality. For each urine sample, over 300 images are taken by the camera and the 15 best focused ones are displayed to the user leading to accurate analysis of the sample.

On the sediment side, the UAS800 sediment analyzer holds a total of 600 cuvettes – comparable to slides where the urine sample is collected. A minimum of 2.6 microliters is required for each sample for a full Chemistry and Sediment analysis on the Atellica 1500 Automated Urinalysis System.

One key benefit is that it’s very easy to clean and maintain cutting basic care down to just minutes per day. Siemens recommends certain daily and monthly maintenance be done, and then one yearly maintenance inspection managed directly by a licensed Siemens technician.

“Simply empty the waste box, perform a 4-minute cleaning with bleach and wipe clean the rack handles,” said Daaboul. “Then each month, about 15 to 20 minutes is required to clean the centrifuge arm and microscope table.”

Some easy-to-use features include a touch screen, tilt display and customizable menu options. It also has load-and-go test cassettes and test tubes that help simplify operation. In the event of any assistance, Siemens Healthineers provides online guidance and knowledgeable service support teams.

Finally, Atellica 1500 Automated Urinalysis System has a small footprint so it’s good for small or high-volume labs, as well as built-in intelligence – such as a neural network to automatically classify sediment particles and the ability to automatically detect sample volume and tube caps. The software is also flexible enough so that the user can manage testing and results in customizable settings.

Urinalysis has been used as part of a routine physical exam for more than 100 years, and is still relied upon today to help accurately diagnose illness. Urine samples are analyzed for acidity, colour and appearance that may indicate infection, disease or pregnancy.