Reaching for Workflow Efficiencies in Urinalysis

Why It Matters

AI‑enhanced reflex testing could improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce test redundancy, and accelerate clinical decision‑making, positioning urinalysis as a more valuable component of patient care and driving efficiency gains for laboratories.

Summary

A CAP TODAY roundtable examined how artificial intelligence can streamline urinalysis workflow, particularly through AI‑driven reflex testing that merges urine chemistry and microscopy results with electronic health‑record data. Participants from Sysmex America and Beckman Coulter noted that adoption has been gradual but see AI as a way to transform urinalysis from a simple screening tool into a more diagnostic discipline, potentially enabling near‑100% reflex testing and reducing reliance on separate microbiology cultures. The discussion also highlighted under‑utilized analytes, the need for better sample‑preservation methods, and the broader impact of automation on turnaround times.