Project Description:

Urine output monitoring is one of the earliest and most actionable indicators of kidney function, cardiac performance, and overall fluid balance. Despite its clinical importance, current practice still depends on manual measurement and documentation by nurses. This process is frequently delayed, highly variable, and prone to error studies report average documentation delays of 47 minutes, overestimations of nearly 20 mL per hour, and that nearly half of clinical staff believe intake-output records are inaccurate at least half the time. Existing automated monitoring solutions attempt to address this gap, but they often cost several thousand dollars, require proprietary catheters, introduce workflow complexity, and remain inaccessible for widespread use. Our team developed UrineLuck, a low-cost, reusable, clip-on monitoring device designed to integrate seamlessly into existing Foley catheter systems. The device attaches to a dedicated disposable tubing segment compatible with standard catheters and automatically measures both urine flow and urine color in real time.. To validate our approach, we conducted engineering analysis and benchtop prototype testing, confirming that our sensing method can measure urine flow accurately and consistently. In addition, our color-sensing module captures qualitative changes in urine appearance that can support earlier clinical decision-making. UrineLuck aims to make urine monitoring as quick and reliable as a simple click giving nurses time back, improving documentation accuracy, and enabling earlier detection of clinical deterioration. By lowering cost and eliminating workflow barriers, UrineLuck brings accurate, real-time urine monitoring within reach for every hospital unit.