Hygienic solution to urine testing

As a practising GP, Dr Vincent Forte consistently had problems in getting quality urine MSU specimens from patients from which he could diagnose their symptoms and accurately treat … and so designed a solution – the Peezy Midstream.

Today, this simple innovation enables right-first-time specimen analysis, reduces the national average of 15- 30% contamination rate of the 65+ million samples collected every year using traditional methods down to as little as 3%-1.5%, and could conservatively save the NHS £30+ million every year.

The antenatal market accounts for around 5.5 million MSU specimens of which, based on current responses to a recent FOI request, 1.5 million may be contaminated. Given the frequency that expectant mothers have to take samples, Peezy Midstream can reduce the unnecessary need and expense of repeat specimens and testing – and allows greater peace of mind.

The device is ergonomically made to be easy to handle, reject the often contaminated first-flush urine into the toilet, capture and isolate midstream into the collection tub and direct overflow back into the toilet. It minimises contamination, eliminates any contact by the patient with the urine, and any soiling of surrounding area, container, label and hands. Research undertaken in association with Bounty as well as anecdotal feedback from users has shown that it is a welcome innovation, easy and hygienic to use.

Peezy Midstream has gathered excellent evidence from patients, clinicians and microbiologists alike; it is in use across a number of NHS Trusts and is available to patients on prescription. One of the earlier studies from the Peninne Acute Hospitals NHS Trust testified to the efficiency and efficacy of the Peezy and this has subsequently been borne out by further research from Barts & The Royal London and the UCL School of Medicine.

Analysis of urine samples can be as clinically important as blood testing, but sampling standards are not always as stringent. There is no established protocol. As Giovanna Forte, CEO of Forte Medical and sister of Vincent, describes it: “Urine analysis is a vital diagnostic tool in many clinical areas and hit and miss collection is unacceptable. Sending a contaminated urine specimen to a laboratory is like asking a detective to solve a crime by looking through a dirty window”.

At a time when healthcare services are looking for innovation, cost savings and improving the environment of both patients and front-line healthcare works, exposure to cross infection, contaminated specimens and lack of dignity should hopefully soon become a thing of the past.

For further information or to request a sample, please visit www.forte-medical.co.uk, call 020 7300 7225 or email: hello@forte-medical.com.