WO2015196254A1

WO2015196254A1 - Apparatus for analysing a hydration status of individual based on a urine sample

Info

Publication number: WO2015196254A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050351
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan WYNCH
Original assignee: Occulert Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-23
Filing date: 2015-06-23
Publication date: 2015-12-30

Abstract

An apparatus for indicating or measuring urine status of an individual comprises a sensor arranged to be contacted by a stream of urine from the individual and measure a characteristic of the urine. The sensor is in communication with a display. The display provides an indication of the hydration status of the individual based on urine sample.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ANALYSING A HYDRATION STATUS OF INDIVIDUAL

BASED ON A URINE SAMPLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing analysis on a sample of urine to provide an indication or measurement of a quality or characteristic of the sample. In particular, though not exclusively, the apparatus performs analysis of a urine sample to indicate hydration status of an individual and provides a substantially real-time indication to an individual of their hydration status following analysis of the sample.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known to conduct diagnostic or analytical tests on individuals to determine their capacity to perform in a particular environment. This can include testing of employees to determine their fitness for work. In an employment setting, conducting of such tests is particularly important when the job or working conditions poses potential occupational health and safety (OH&S) concerns. This can include, but is not limited to, ability to operate potentially dangerous equipment or to work in hostile environments. Appropriate testing cannot only mitigate safety concerns, but can assist employers to maintain acceptable and profitable levels of productivity from their employees.

[0003] Types of diagnostic or analytical tests conducted can include, but are not limited to, drug and alcohol testing and analysis of hydration status of an individual. Hydration testing of employees is of particular relevance for employees working in hot and/or humid conditions, i.e. thermal stress conditions. Employees working in such conditions can have high sweat rates resulting in significant fluid loss over the course of a working shift. Fluid consumption rates are often inadequate to appropriately replenish fluid to healthy levels. This can result in significant dehydration, in turn leading to risk of heat illness such as fatigue, headaches, nausea and potentially more severe symptoms such as fainting or any of the other well documented physiological problems associated with dehydration. Apart from the immediate adverse effects to employees, heat stress can also have negative impacts on workplace safety, productivity and operating costs.

[0004] Thirst alone is not a reliable indicator of dehydration. It is possible to be dehydrated to a degree that will adversely affect safety and/or performance without experiencing intense thirst. It has therefore become relatively common to test employee hydration status when employees are working in thermal stress conditions.

[0005] Hydration testing of employees is typically conducted by health professionals using a refractometer to measure the specific gravity of a urine sample. Specific gravity of urine is considered to indicate absolute hydration status of an individual and to adequately reflect changes in hydration status over time. However, the manner of testing is often considered to be invasive by those whose urine is being tested. Further, testing by health professionals, which is often conducted via random testing, is not considered to provide a consistent average reflection of the hydration levels of an individual over a predetermined period, such as a shift period. These tests are time consuming from the point of view of the company commissioning the tests, the health professionals conducting the tests, as well as the employees who are being tested, as the tests are generally conducted in the field at remote locations and may require employees to be interrupted from usual activities to provide a urine sample for testing.

[0006] Regardless of difficulties and inconveniences in conducting these tests, an increase in OH&S regulations and standards over recent years has led to an increased focus on industrial health. It is unlikely then, that the need for such testing will be diminished. Rather, the need for such testing will likely increase.

[0007] There is therefore a need to provide a convenient and practical way to monitor hydration levels of persons operating in thermal stress conditions. There is also a need to provide timely and readily understandable feedback to persons regarding their hydration status so that appropriate action can be taken to maintain adequate hydration levels.

[0008] The present invention seeks amongst other things to meet these requirements and to improve upon known methods of monitoring hydration status of an individual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided, an apparatus for indicating or measuring urine status of an individual, the apparatus comprising a sensor arranged to be contacted by a stream of urine from the individual and measure a

characteristic of the urine, the sensor being in communication with a display, wherein the display provides an indication of the urine status of the individual.

[0010] In an embodiment the urine status is hydration status of the individual. [0011] In an embodiment the sensor is located in a urine receiving receptacle.

[0012] In an embodiment, the sensor measures specific gravity of the urine sample, specific gravity providing a reliable indicator of hydration status of the individual providing the sample.

[0013] The sensor conveniently and advantageously measures specific gravity of the urine stream substantially in real-time. The individual providing the sample is therefore provided with an indication of the measured specific gravity of their urine sample whilst the sample is being provided or deposited in the apparatus, or shortly thereafter.

[0014] In an embodiment the measurement of specific gravity is by holding a sample of urine in a test chamber and measuring the height of a hydrometer float in the test chamber.

[0015] In an embodiment the sensor measures the amount of urobilin in the urine stream. Preferably the sensor comprises a light emitter and a detector tuned to detect an absorption peak of urobilin. In an embodiment the absorption peak is in the range of 450-550nm. More preferably the absorption peak in in the range of 470-510 nm. Still more preferably the absorption peak is about 490nm. In an embodiment the light emitter emits light of wavelengths in one of these ranges. In an embodiment the light detector is shielded from ambient light. In an embodiment the light detector comprises a filter that only permits light of the desired wavelengths to pass. In an embodiment the sensor is configured to compare a calibrated amount of incident light with the amount of incident light passing through the urine stream to determine the amount of urobilin present. In an embodiment the sensor is configured to differentiate urobilin from riboflavin in urine.

[0016] In an embodiment the urine stream is measured in a test chamber. In an

embodiment the test chamber has a controlled exit so that measurement of the characteristic of the urine can occur. In an embodiment the controlled exit is provided by an exit aperture of selected size. In an embodiment the controlled exit is provided by a valve device.

[0017] In an embodiment the test chamber is hydrophobic so that urine is discouraged from being retained in the test chamber. In an embodiment the test chamber is formed of silicone rubber. In an embodiment the test chamber is replaceable. In an embodiment the test chamber is housed in a replaceable cartridge. In an embodiment the flow of urine into the test chamber is controlled so that inflow does not disrupt measurement.

[0018] In an embodiment the characteristic measurement is activated only when urine flow is detected. In an embodiment the sensor comprises a urine flow detector. In an embodiment the urine flow detector is a salinity detector, which is able to distinguish urine from water due to salinity of liquid encountered by the salinity detector.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and the sensor are located in a urinal, the urinal being located at or near a site where individuals require their hydration status to be monitored. Typically this is a work site having thermal stress conditions, such as a mining operations site.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided, an apparatus for indicating or measuring urine status of an individual, the apparatus comprising a sensor arranged to be contacted by a stream of urine from the individual and measure a characteristic of the urine, the sensor a removable hydrophobic test chamber.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided, an apparatus for indicating or measuring urine status of an individual, the apparatus comprising a sensor arranged to measure the amount of urobilin in the urine stream.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of indicating or measuring the hydration status of an individual, the method comprising an individual requiring assessment of their hydration status approaches a urinal equipped with an apparatus according to the present invention. The individual directs their urine stream into a funnel or other suitable collection device. The funnel directs the stream of urine into a chamber. The sensor is located in the chamber. The sensor detects and measures specific gravity of the stream as it passes through the chamber.

[0023] The sensor is in communication with a display. The display means provides an indication to the individual of their hydration status as based on the measurement of specific gravity of their urine stream. In a preferred embodiment, the display indicates hydration status of the individual by a readily understandable colour-based indicator system. In one embodiment, the indicator system is based on a 'traffic-light' system, with colour red indicating dehydration and colour green indicating adequate hydration.

[0024] The display advantageously provides additional information which includes, but is not limited to, actual specific gravity measurement of the urine sample and recommended actions to improve hydration status or to mitigate safety and performance difficulties within a workplace.

[0025] The apparatus further includes a data storage unit, in communication with the sensor, to record and store data recorded from the sensor. This data can advantageously be extracted so as to permit viewing and tracking of hydration program outcomes, ensure hydration compliance and to assist in implementation of improved hydration policies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The invention may be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0027] Figure 1 a is a perspective view of an apparatus for indicating or measuring hydration status of an individual according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 1 b is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 a;

[0029] Figure 1 c is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 a;

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a urinal equipped with an apparatus according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of an alternative apparatus for indicating or measuring hydration status of an individual according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 3;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a display of the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a hydrometer device for use in a sensor of the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVNETION

[0036] Referring initially to Figures 1 a to 1 c, there is shown an apparatus 10 for indicating or measuring hydration status of an individual. In this particular embodiment, the apparatus 10 is adapted for installation in a urinal 14 (as shown in Figure 2). Locating the apparatus 10 in a urinal 14 is a preferred embodiment of the invention, primarily because the target demographic for the apparatus 10 is more likely to be male due to the relatively high proportion of males working in environments in which hydration status of employees requires testing or monitoring. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 10 can also be adapted for installation and use in other toilet facilities such as within a toilet bowl.

[0037] The apparatus 10 includes a sensor (not shown) which detects or measures a characteristic of a sample of urine, such as its specific gravity, when the sample comes into contact with the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor analyses the sample of urine using the process of electro-magnetic spectral characterisation, such as spectral absorption. In an alternative or in addition the sensor analyses the sample using a process of in line refractometry, whereby the specific gravity of the sample is measured as the fluid sample flows through the sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor is located in-line with the fluid flow of the urine sample.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the apparatus 10 includes a waterproof housing 15 in which are contained electronic components of the apparatus 10, including the sensor. The housing 15 includes a funnel 16 or other suitable fluid collection device, which directs the stream of urine to a chamber (not shown), in which the sensor is located. As the stream passes through the chamber, the sensor detects the concentration of excreted molecules, including metabolic waste, in the stream, thereby measuring the specific gravity of the urine sample. Another reliable method of measurement of hydration level is to measure the urobilin content in the urine. Urobilin is the main colorant in urine, with higher concentrations giving urine a more yellow and or darker colour, which is also characterises hydration levels. Advantageously, the sensor is able to measure the specific gravity and or urobilin levels of the urine sample substantially in real-time. That is, the sensor is able to deliver an indication or measurement of the specific gravity or urobilin levels of the sample whilst the sample is directed into and through the chamber or shortly thereafter.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the sample is analysed by the apparatus 10 taking a small sample, i.e. a 'grab sample' of the flowing liquid in a test chamber. This small sample is momentarily held within the test chamber, in this case, a refractometer is used to measure the specific gravity of the sample. Once the specific gravity of the small sample is measured, the small sample is released from the test chamber. In an embodiment the test chamber may be flushed with a spray of fresh water, thereby also recalibrating the refractometer and readying the apparatus 10 and sensor for the next sample to be measured.

[0040] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative sensor arrangement to use of a refractometer to measure specific gravity, is to measure the height of a hydrometer float 304 in the test chamber 302. In this embodiment there is a baffle 308 which slows the flow of received urine 310 as it flows 312 down the baffle 308. The baffle then directs urine 312 down a funnel 306 which directs urine into the test chamber 302 so that it fills with urine 316. There is an overflow of urine 318 once the test chamber 302 is full. Once the float has settled at a height in the chamber 302, its height can be measured. The buoyancy of the hydrometer float 304 is a factor of the specific gravity of the liquid it floats within. The chamber 302 is emptied via outlet 318. The outlet controls the out-flow of urine, either by being of a selected diameter or under the control of a solenoid valve.

[0041] To measure the amount of urobilin in the urine stream the sensor comprises a light emitter and a detector tuned to detect an absorption peak of urobilin. In an embodiment the absorption peak is in the range of 450-550nm. More preferably the absorption peak in in the range of 470-510 nm. Still more preferably the absorption peak is about 490nm. In an embodiment the light emitter emits light of wavelengths in one of these ranges of wavelengths. In an embodiment the light detector is shielded from ambient light. In an embodiment the light detector comprises a filter that only permits light of the desired wavelengths to pass. In an embodiment the sensor is configured to compare a calibrated amount of incident light with the amount of incident light passing through the urine stream to determine the amount of urobilin present.

[0042] Urine can be brightly coloured when the individual had taken riboflavin because the body may not use it all and excess is expelled in urine. This bright colour may be present even if the individual's hydration is adequate. It is therefore desirable for the sensor is configured to differentiate urobilin from riboflavin in urine. Riboflavin has an emission wavelength at a lower wavelength (about 200nm) than the urobilin absorption wavelength of about 490nm. Thus detection of the absorption wavelength of urobilin will not be significantly influenced by the presence of riboflavin.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is an alternative configuration of the housing 100. This embodiment is useful for the sensor to measure the amount of urobilin in the urine stream. The housing 100 comprises a base 102, a test cartridge 104, a cartridge cover 106 and a shell 108. [0044] The base 102 has legs that are able to position the housing above a urinal drain. The base 102 has an opening 128 to allow the exit of urine. The base 102 has a step 150 around a periphery of an upper portion which receives a bottom lip 148 of the shell 108. The shell has a funnel 122 for directing urine to the cartridge cover 106. The underside of the funnel 122 defines a space 160 for housing electronics of the sensor. The shell 108 has a central aperture with a step 140 for receiving a lip 142 of the cartridge cover 106. The cartridge cover 106 has a top face 124 which receives urine form the funnel 122 and a central opening 120 into which urine may enter. The underside of the central opening 120 has a cylindrical projection 144 through which the urine may travel to the cartridge 104. The cartridge 104 comprises a cylindrical portion 146 which extends over and attaches to the cylindrical portion 144. The interior 124 of the cylindrical portion 146 forms the test chamber. On either side of the test chamber are lobes 130 and 132 for receiving a light emitter and a light receiver.

[0045] As seen in Figure 3 a urine stream 1 10 arrives and contacts the funnel 122. It is directed towards the surface 124 and then into the opening 120. It then passes 1 12 through the test chamber 126 and then out of the outlet 128. When inside the test chamber the light source emits light as described above and the detector received the light passing through the urine so as to be able to measure a characteristic of the urine, such as the concentration of urobilin. It is noted that other characteristics of the urine may also be measured.

[0046] Preferably the test chamber is formed of silicone rubber so as to be hydrophobic so that urine is discouraged from being retained in the test chamber. Then in the form of a cartridge the test chamber is removable so that it can be cleaned of deposits or replaced.

[0047] In an embodiment the characteristic measurement is activated only when urine flow is detected. In an embodiment the sensor comprises a urine flow detector. In an

embodiment the urine flow detector is a salinity detector, which is able to distinguish urine from water due to salinity of liquid encountered by the salinity detector.

[0048] The sensor is in communication with a display 20 as shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b. The communication may be direct or indirect. For example, the sensor may be directly wired to the display 20. Alternatively, the sensor may communicate with the display 20 or 200 remotely as shown in Figure 1 c and Figure 5, such as by wireless transmission 204 to a visible antenna 202 or hidden antenna.

[0049] The display 20 is located for convenient observation by the individual providing the sample. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 1 a and 1 b, the display 20 is located on or embedded in the housing 15. However, the display 20 can be conveniently located in alternative positions, as will be further explained below.

[0050] The display 20 acts to provide an indication of the measured specific gravity or urobilin concentration of the urine sample to the individual providing the sample. Since the sensor measures in real-time, the individual is advantageously provided with an indication of the characteristic of their urine sample, and hence of their hydration status, in real-time, preferably whilst they are in the process of providing the sample, or shortly thereafter.

[0051] The display 20 preferably provides a visual indication of the specific gravity or urobilin concentration of the sample and/or the hydration status of the individual. It is generally accepted that specific gravity measurements provide a good indication of the hydration status of an individual. Generally, a specific gravity measurement in the range of 1 .000 to 1 .0015 indicates good or excellent hydration; 1 .016 to 1 .022 indicates moderate hydration; 1 .023 to 1 .030 indicates dehydration; and anything above 1 .030 indicates that the individual is severely dehydrated to the extent that medical intervention should be taken immediately. In experiments on use of 490nm LED as the emitter, a received wavelength reflectance factor correlates to specific gravity measurements with a correlation factor of 0.85.

[0052] The display 20 may provide a reading of the actual specific gravity measurement of the sample, which can be read by the individual. However, it is an object of the present invention to make the apparatus as accessible as possible to those who use it and ensure that users can instantly and easily interpret information displayed on the display 20. It is advantageous if the apparatus 10 can also provide accessible feedback or information to the individual, such as a recommended action or course of action to modify their hydration status to an acceptable measurement.

[0053] To this effect the display 20 provides a visual indication of hydration status through a visual display system which may include a digital display. In one embodiment, the indicator system is a digital display comprising a screen. The screen of the digital display is programmable to display communications which includes but is not limited to: the hydration status of the individual as measured in specific gravity; and/or an indication of hydration classification of the individual, i.e. as good/excellent, moderate, dehydrated or severely dehydrated (medical attention required) or a similar indicative classification.

[0054] The display 20 can additionally provide other communications on the screen, as desired. Such communications need not necessarily be directly concerned with measuring or monitoring of hydration status. For example, the display 20 can also communicate safety messages or display company logos and/or slogans.

[0055] An alternative embodiment of a display 200 provides a visual indication of hydration status through a colour-based indicator system. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator system is a 'traffic light' visual indicator comprising a series of lights 210, 212 and 214, presented in a traffic-light arrangement and using the same or similar colours. The indicator system therefore includes at least a green 214, amber 212 and red light 210, wherein green light indicates excellent hydration 224; amber light indicates an average hydration status 222; and a red light indicates dehydration 220. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator system includes two or three individual amber and/or red lights, whereby the three amber lights can indicate degrees of moderate hydration such as 'fair', 'average' and 'below average' hydration status respectively. Multiple red lights can similarly indicate varying degrees of more serious dehydration.

[0056] The indicator system can be presented by suitable means, such as an LED display. For convenience, the LED display, which is part of the display 20, is located on a front of the apparatus 10, ideally at or around eye-level of the individual providing the sample to be tested. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator system is located on the top of the apparatus 10 and is angled up towards the user or on the wall above or to the side of the urinal, substantially at an eye-level of an average person.

[0057] It will be appreciated that in using the apparatus 10, whereby gravity characteristic of the urine sample is measured in real time and the display 20 provides real-time indication of the measured characteristic, an individual can readily gain an instant appreciation of their level of hydration.

[0058] Whilst it is of course useful for an individual to gain an understanding of their current hydration status, there is additional value if the individual is also provided with information or recommended action required to positively change their hydration status to within an acceptable range. That is, to change their hydration status to 'excellent/good'.

[0059] The screen of the display 20 therefore can also deliver a communication to the individual providing the sample, the communication being delivered in response to the measurement of their sample. The communication recommends to the individual, a simple yet appropriate course of action to bring the hydration status of the individual to a level that is acceptable for their working environment. That is, the individual is communicated a recommended action to assist them in reaching a 'good or excellent hydration' reading the next time they deliver a urine sample to the apparatus 10.

[0060] As an example, the screen may indicate the required number of cups or millilitres required to be consumed over a prescribed period of time to bring the individual up to acceptable, ideally 'excellent' hydration status. If the individual is particularly dehydrated to the extent that they are unfit to be working in thermal stress conditions, the screen may display a communication recommending that the individual excuse themselves from working or from engaging in potentially hazardous activities, until such time that their hydration status is within acceptable limits. Whilst the present embodiment envisages these communications being delivered visually, it is considered to be within the scope of the invention for visual display of this information to be accompanied or replaced with an audio delivery of the same information.

[0061] The apparatus 10 therefore provides real-time feedback on the hydration status of an individual, including prompts as to how to remedy current hydration status if it is not at acceptable levels, particularly for thermal stress environments. Further, the apparatus 10 is able to provide this feedback to an individual anonymously and without any need for potentially invasive procedures.

[0062] Whilst anonymity may be important to the individual, in a work environment, an employer or company may wish to have record of the hydration status of its workers, or at least a sample of workers over a period of time. Such data can be useful in implementation of a suitable hydration policy within the workplace. Workers who are educated on hydration and fluid intake recommendations are far less likely to become dehydrated or suffer from heat related conditions. Implementation of good policy can mitigate safety and performance concerns associated with hydration and having reliable data on the hydration trends of the workforce can assist in developing sound policy. [0063] The apparatus 10 therefore also includes a data storage unit (not shown) in communication with the sensor, the data storage unit arranged to capture and store data recorded by the sensor. That is, the data storage unit captures and records the specific gravity readings as measured by the sensor, of each individual each time they provide a sample to the apparatus 10.

[0064] The data storage unit communicates the collected data to an external unit (not shown). Communication of the data can be direct or indirect. In one embodiment, the data storage unit is in wireless communication with a handheld device such as, but not limited to, a smart phone. The handheld device extracts data from the apparatus 10. Data, including collective measurements of specific gravity and times that samples were provided and measured, is extracted from the apparatus 10 to allow for recording and monitoring of employee hydration levels over a period of time. This advantageously permits viewing and tracking of hydration program or policy outcomes.

[0065] The handheld device may be Bluetooth compatible with the apparatus 10. In the embodiment where the handheld device includes a smart phone, an application (App) can be downloaded onto the phone from an appropriate source, such as company website, to help facilitate extraction of data from the apparatus. This use of a handheld device conveniently permits extraction of data from individual units, even if the individual units are located remotely. Once data is extracted, it can be delivered to the appropriate person or entity for storage, review and/or analysis.

[0066] In use, the apparatus 10 is installed or located in a urinal, which is conveniently located at or near a site, typically a work site, where individuals are subjected to thermal stress conditions. Rather than require individuals to provide a urine sample to a health professional at a time of the choosing of the health professional and have that health professional analyse the sample or send the sample for analysis offsite, each individual can provide a urine sample and have it assessed whenever the individual has a need to pass urine.

[0067] The individual can approach the urinal in the usual manner. The individual's urine stream is directed into the funnel 16 where it is directed into the chamber, thereby coming into contact with the sensor. The sensor measures the specific gravity of the stream and communicates this information to both the display 20 and data storage unit. [0068] The measurement of specific gravity is communicated to the individual whilst or shortly after they have delivered their sample to the apparatus 10. The measurement of specific gravity is communicated via display 20 in easily interpreted format to give the individual an indication of their current hydration status and recommended course of action to alter their hydration status to a more appropriate level, or how to maintain their hydration status at an acceptable level of hydration.

[0069] Collective measurements of specific gravity of multiple samples provided by multiple individuals depositing samples to the apparatus are recorded and stored in the data storage unit. When required, an authorised entity such as employer or company who has installed the apparatus 10, can retrieve data from the data storage unit of each apparatus 10 and use that data for analysis as required.

[0070] The method of use of the apparatus of the present invention will now be described in relation to Figure 7. The method 400 of indicating or measuring the hydration status of an individual begins at 402. An individual requiring assessment of their hydration status directs their urine stream into a funnel or other suitable collection device. The funnel receives 404 the urine stream and directs the stream of urine into a chamber 408. A sensor is located in the chamber may fist be calibrated at 406. The sensor detects and measures 410 a characteristic of the stream as it passes through the chamber. The chamber is empties 412 once the measurement is conducted. This may trigger another calibration 406, or the calibration may only be conducted after a certain number of measurements. The measured result is displayed 414 to the individual. In some embodiments other information may also be displayed 416 based on the result, such as the amount of liquid that the individual should consume to return to acceptable levels. The measurement may be stored 418 in the storage device of the display or it may be transmitted to another device (such as portable computer or a smart phone). The method ends and the apparatus is ready for another individual to use.

[0071] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to the person skilled in the field of the invention are intended to fall within the scope of the amended claims.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1 . An apparatus for indicating or measuring urine status of an individual, the apparatus comprising a sensor arranged to be contacted by a stream of urine from the individual and measure a characteristic of the urine, the sensor being in communication with a display, wherein the display provides an indication of the hydration status of the individual.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor measures specific gravity of the urine sample.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sensor measures specific gravity of the urine sample substantially in real time.

4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is provided in a urinal.

5. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stream of urine is directed into a funnel, whereby the funnel directs the stream to the sensor.

6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor analyses the sample of urine using in line refractometry.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a small sample of the urine stream is collected and contacted with the sensor.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the small sample is analysed with a refractometer.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the measurement of specific gravity is by holding a sample of urine in a test chamber and measuring the height of a hydrometer float in the test chamber.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor measures the amount of urobilin in the urine stream.

1 1 . The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises a light emitter and a detector tuned to detect an absorption peak of urobilin.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to compare a calibrated amount of incident light with the amount of incident light passing through the urine stream to determine the amount of urobilin present.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claim, wherein sensor comprises a hydrophobic test chamber.

14. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display communicates hydration status of the individual with a visual indicator.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the visual indicator includes a scale or rating of hydration status.

16. The apparatus of any one of the previous claims, wherein the display is configured to indicate the measured reading or an indication of the status of the reading.

17. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display additionally communicates feedback to the individual.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the feedback includes a recommended action to modify hydration status to an acceptable range.

19. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus further includes a data storage unit in communication with the sensor, the data storage unit recording and storing data collected by the sensor.

20. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the data storage unit communicates data to an external unit.

21 . The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the external unit is a handheld device, the handheld device operating to extract data from one or more apparatus.

22. An apparatus for indicating or measuring urine status of an individual, the apparatus comprising a sensor arranged to be contacted by a stream of urine from the individual and measure a characteristic of the urine, the sensor a removable hydrophobic test chamber.

23. An apparatus for indicating or measuring urine status of an individual, the apparatus comprising a sensor arranged to measure the amount of urobilin in the urine stream.

24. A method of indicating or measuring the hydration status of an individual, the method comprising an individual requiring assessment of their hydration status directs their urine stream into a funnel or other suitable collection device, the funnel directs the stream of urine into a chamber, a sensor is located in the chamber detects and measures a characteristic of the stream as it passes through the chamber.