Now, mobile app that tests urine for medical issues

A new smartphone app has been unveiled that analyses urine samples for a range of medical conditions.

A new smartphone app has been unveiled that analyses urine samples for a range of medical conditions.

Uchek, which was demonstrated at the TED (Technology, Education and Design) conference in Los Angeles, uses a phone's camera to analyse urine.

The app is the brainchild of TED fellow Myshkin Ingawale, the BBC reports.

According to the report, urine can be tested for the presence of 10 elements, including glucose, proteins and nitrites.

These can be used to pinpoint a range of conditions including diabetes, urinary tract infects, cancers, liver problems as well as being used to keep track of general health.

Users need to collect their urine and dip a standard test strip into it.

The strip is placed on a mat, supplied with the app and intended to normalise the colours on the stick regardless of lighting conditions where the photo is taken.

Once the photo is taken the app will analyse which, if any, condition, the colour applies to, the report said.

The app will be available from Apple's app store from the end of March for 20 dollars, which includes the cost of the mat and five dipsticks, it added.