Researchers from the European Association of Urology in Amsterdam identified an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm machine which is trained to listen to patients as they pass urine and is also able to recognize irregular flows. They claimed that it might be a practical and affordable way to supervise and manage urology patients at home.

Uroflowmetry is a crucial tool for evaluating patients with symptoms, but requires patients to urinate into the machine during outpatient visits. In a soundproof room, participants used the standard uroflowmetry device and a smartphone to record their urination. The AI developed the ability to predict flow rate, volume, and duration from 220 records, which can be used to detect obstructions or poor bladder function. It was trained to listen to and analyze male urine flow, which differs from that of women and required new samples to learn to analyze female urination.

The deep learning tool Audioflow, which assesses urine flow, produces results that are comparable to those of urology residents and nearly as good as a specialized machine used in clinics. The goal is to develop an app so that patients may monitor themselves at home. Primary care physicians will now distribute Audioflow as a smartphone app so that it can be tested in the real world. (ETHealthWorld, July 04, 2022)