ProteinProblem: A Digitized At-Home Urinalysis Device for Chronic Kidney Patients (2019)

Urinalysis Device

Overview

This repository contains models and code for ProteinProblem, a Grade 9 (2019) personal project to develop a handheld urinalysis device to help chronic kidney patients monitor their conditions. The project was motivated by personal experience as a kidney patient and aims to provide a cost-effective, portable, and accurate tool for monitoring protein levels in urine.

More information about the project can be found in the Canadian Science Fair Journal here.

Our Solution

The ProteinProblem device improves the accuracy and convenience of at-home urinalysis for chronic kidney patients by:

1. Colorimetric Analysis: The device uses a color sensor read color on urinalysis strips, which indicate protein levels in urine. This method is more reliable than subjective visual interpretation.
2. Data Analysis: The device is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing patients to store their urinalysis results over time. This enables healthcare providers to make informed patient tailored decisions based on long-term data.

Setup

1. 3D Print the Case: Use the provided STL files to print the controlled color sensing chamber with light-absorbing filament to prevent external light interference.
2. Wire Together the Hardware:
   • Connect the LCD screen to the Arduino using the following pins: RS (12), E (11), D4 (5), D5 (4), D6 (3), D7 (2).
   • Connect the TCS3200 color sensor to the Arduino: GND, S0 (6), S1 (7), S2 (8), S3 (9), OUT (13).
   • Connect the HC-05 Bluetooth module to the Arduino: VCC (3.3V), GND, TX (RX of Arduino), RX (TX of Arduino).
   • Wire the push button to the Arduino with a 5.1k Ohm resistor.
3. Flash the Firmware: Use the Arduino IDE or avrdude to upload the provided Arduino sketch to the Arduino Uno R3.
4. Build Calibration Curve and Calculation Model: Test with different concentrations of albumin solutions to generate a calibration curve. Implement a calculation model based on your sensor's response.
5. Optional: Connect Using HC-05 Bluetooth Module: Pair the device with an external application using the HC-05 Bluetooth module to transmit data wirelessly.

Hardware

• Arduino Uno R3: Used as the main microcontroller.
• 16x2 LCD Screen: Displays information such as protein levels detected.
• TCS3200 Color Sensor: Detects color changes on urinalysis strips to determine protein levels.
• HC-05 Bluetooth Module: Facilitates wireless communication with a smartphone.

Files

• STL Files: 3D printable files for the controlled color sensing chamber.
• Arduino Sketch: The main code for operating the urinalysis device.

License

This work is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.