Upgrade your lab research today
Medical research labs are always looking for more accurate, reliable and consistent options for testing materials and that’s where new synthetic urine technologies can help.
Problem
There are many problems with real human urine samples for laboratory research. The variations in the composition make these samples difficult to work with because:
- Inconsistent samples make it hard to compare results and create baseline measurements
- Bacteria and contamination are safety risks
- Samples can’t be stored for long periods of time
Unless there is a reliable synthetic standard urine option, lab research suffers.
Luckily there are new synthetic urine products being used for modern research in the fields of urinalysis research, lab equipment calibration and biomarker research.
Table of Contents
- Why Medical Research Labs Need Synthetic Urine
- The Latest Synthetic Urine Technologies for the Lab in 2024
- Synthetic Urine for Laboratory Calibration Best Practices
- How to Use Synthetic Urine for Medical Research Best Practices
Why Medical Research Labs Need Synthetic Urine
Synthetic urine is a game changer for medical research labs. If your lab hasn’t been using these technologies yet, here are three reasons why you should be.
Consistent Chemical Composition
The single biggest issue with real human urine? Variability.
Every single real sample will have different creatinine concentration, urea levels, specific gravity and pH balance. The range of numbers is wide which makes it extremely difficult for medical research labs to compare studies and get reliable baseline data.
Researchers can find a complete guide to choosing synthetic urine that will help them to get the best results in the lab. The best synthetic urine comes with the exact correct amounts of:
- Urea concentration is standardized at 18.2 g/L
- Creatinine levels are precisely measured at 2.0 g/L
- pH balanced to exactly 5.1
- Specific gravity between 1.005 and 1.030
Synthetic urine means researchers can focus on research and studies instead of having to adjust for inconsistency.
Better Equipment Calibration
Synthetic urine is a go-to for better lab equipment calibration.
Modern urinalysis machines need to be calibrated correctly to work properly. Research indicates that synthetic urine was primarily utilized by drug testing laboratories as a matrix for quality control preparations. This means it’s very reliable and practical in a lab setting.
Why does this matter? Well, here’s what happens when you calibrate lab equipment with the right synthetic urine options:
- Accurate baseline measures
- Better consistent machine performance
- Reliable quality control
- Less down time for maintenance
No Bacteria and Safety Risks
Real human samples come with risk factors for bacteria and contamination and synthetic products eliminate all of that.
Biological samples have the risk of containing viruses, bacteria and other pathogens that create safety risks for lab staff. Synthetic products allow for sterile testing while maintaining the exact chemical levels needed.
Best part?
Synthetic urine will last for long periods of time without degrading and real samples have to be processed right away or stored in special conditions.
The Latest Synthetic Urine Technologies for the Lab in 2024
Synthetic urine products have evolved significantly over the last few years. Modern synthetic urine is made through advanced chemical engineering that mimics real urine.
Multi-Purpose Artificial Urine (MP-AU) Formulations
New scientific advances have helped develop Multi-Purpose Artificial Urine (MP-AU) formulations that closely resemble the molecular make-up of healthy human urine.
What’s special about these products?
Scientists used attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to develop synthetic urine products that have similar results to real human samples. This leads to:
- Accurate biomarker research
- Improved membrane filtration research
- Pharmaceutical testing protocols
- Urological medical device testing
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Compatible Formulations
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is used in laboratories for chemical detection. New synthetic urine products are designed to work directly with GC-MS to provide better analysis.
These products contain:
- Organic compound profiles that are in real urine
- Protein markers that help with authenticity
- Metabolite concentrations that can be used for pharmaceutical testing
- Trace element ratios that can be used for analysis
Temperature-Stable Synthetic Urine Products
Temperature stability is one of the biggest issues for synthetic urine technology.
The products on the market today are able to maintain chemical levels across a wide range of temperatures which makes them perfect for:
- Field research
- Long term storage
- International transportation
- Fluctuating laboratory environments
Synthetic Urine for Laboratory Calibration Best Practices
Precise laboratory calibration requires the precision only a high-quality synthetic urine product can provide.
Reality check: Studies show that 23.36% of collected samples contain inconsistencies that can compromise the integrity of research. Synthetic alternatives cut all of that out.
Instrument Calibration Protocols
Modern urinalysis machines use specific calibration standards:
- pH meters need a pH of 4.6-8.0 in the samples they test
- Specific gravity needs a density of 1.005-1.030
- Creatinine analyzers need between 20-320 mg/dL
- Automated chemistry panels need a complete list of components
Quality Control Standards
Synthetic urine is the basis for all quality control protocols for a lab. Unlike human samples, synthetic urine products provide:
- Reproducible results each time testing is done
- Stable reference standards for equipment calibration
- Consistent baseline measurements for comparison
- Long term stability
Validation for Research Applications
When researchers need to validate new testing methods, synthetic urine is the perfect control needed to make accurate assessments.
These research needs include:
- Biomarker discovery protocols
- Pharmaceutical absorption research
- Medical device testing
- Diagnostic equipment calibration
How to Use Synthetic Urine for Medical Research Best Practices
For labs to be able to use synthetic urine technologies, there are several best practices that can help improve research and testing results.
Storage and Handling Protocols
There are specific storage conditions synthetic urine needs to follow to maintain chemical integrity:
- Temperature control at 2-8°C for maximum stability
- The right container for the products in sterile and non-reactive materials
- Shelf life is monitored for quality checks
- Avoid contamination with sterile handling techniques
Application-Specific Products
Different research needs require different synthetic urine products:
For membrane research: Researchers need a product that has organic compound profiles that accurately reflect the fouling present in real urine.
For pharmaceutical research: Labs need synthetic urine with the right metabolite concentrations for studying drug absorption.
For equipment calibration: The right synthetic urine needs to be used that meets the requirements of the instrument and provides consistent baseline measurements.
Integration with Laboratory Protocols
Integration of synthetic urine products needs to happen seamlessly with the current laboratory protocols:
- Staff training for handling and use
- Documentation for quality control compliance
- Inventory management systems for optimal supply
- Validation protocols to maintain research integrity
Pioneering the Future of Lab Innovation
Synthetic urine is now being used by research labs for medical innovation and that’s because it’s so accurate, consistent and safe. Unlike biological samples, there are no variables and contamination risks with synthetic products and that’s because the chemical composition is so precise that research labs are demanding more of it.
The science and technology are still being developed with even better and more molecular-level specific data and greater compatibility with modern laboratory equipment. Research labs that implement synthetic urine technologies will see immediate benefit in research, equipment calibration and operations.
It’s a no-brainer to invest in high-quality synthetic urine for your research lab because of improved outcomes, lower contamination risks and safer laboratory processes.
Get ready to take your labs research to the next level. The future of medical research innovation starts with the right synthetic urine technologies.
