Comparison of Automated Urine Analyzers UF-1000i and Urised 3 with Manual Microscopic Urinalysis

Microscopic examination is essential in urine analysis. The method is a simple way to achieve informative data but it is also labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires experienced staff for result accuracy and interpretation. Presently, automated urine analyzers have been introduced to medical laboratories. The application of automation in urinalysis reduces turnaround time and workload of laboratory staff. The aim of this study was to compare the results of two automated analyzers (UF-1000i and Urised 3) with manual microscopic urinalysis focusing on five parameters namely white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), squamous epithelial cells, mucus, and bacteria. The results showed the kappa correlation index of both analyzers and manual microscopic urinalysis ranging from 0.166 to 0.611. The concordance rate of the five parameters showed fair to good correlation (86.32 - 91.75%, 88.93 - 89.13%, 93.76 - 97.18%, 70.62 - 74.85%, and 64.19 - 70.82% respectively). In summary, UF-1000i and Urised 3 could be applied as alternatives for reducing high workload and used for screening urine samples. However, microscopic examination is still very important in terms of classification of urine sediments by experienced medical technologist.