The cobas u 601 Urine Analyzer is a fully automated urine strip analysis system from Roche Diagnostics, designed to deliver reliable and accurate results. With a throughput of up to 240 samples/hour, this instrument is particularly suitable for laboratories with a workload of 200 to 1,000 urine samples per day.

Technology and Key Features:

• Proven Combur-Test® Strip Technology:
  • Uses high-quality Combur-Test® strips with unique mesh fixation technology, including a thin nylon mesh layer on each test pad. This mesh sealing technology fixes the reagent paper and underlying absorbent layers onto a plastic base without adhesive, thereby preventing external and internal interference.
  • Notably, the strips integrate iodate to protect hemoglobin and glucose test results from ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) interference, a common factor that can cause false negatives.
  • Analyzes 11 important parameters: Erythrocytes and hemoglobin, Leukocytes, Nitrite, Ketones, Protein, Glucose, Urobilinogen, Bilirubin, pH, Specific Gravity, and Clarity.
• Next-Generation Photometer Technology:
  • cobas u 601 uses improved photometer technology with an integrated camera chip to capture actual images of each test pad on the strip, helping to accurately analyze results.
  • Allows for higher-resolution image capture for hemoglobin testing (increased from 50×50 pixels to 100×100 pixels), enabling the system to differentiate intact and lysed red blood cells up to a concentration of 50 E/µL.
  • The system can detect and report errors due to inhomogeneity, bent strips, or low urine sample volume, maximizing result reliability and helping operators identify causes.
• Automated and Efficient Workflow:
  • Continuous sample loading and unloading via a tray buffer. A single action is needed to replace the entire sample buffer.
  • The loading tray has a capacity of 75 samples (15 racks/tray, 5 samples/rack), and the instrument automatically starts operation after sample loading.
  • Has a dedicated STAT port to prioritize urgent samples.
  • cobas u pack reagent cartridges contain 400 test strips/cassette with RFID labels.
  • Integrated RFID reader automatically transfers all QC information (QC level, target range, lot number, expiration date) from the RFID tag accompanying Bio-Rad Liquichek Urinalysis Controls. This simplifies QC management by consolidating data and QC results on a single platform.
• User-Friendly Interface:
  • Operates on a 19-inch touchscreen.
  • The intuitive interface is designed for ease of use, helping to reduce training time and support efficient personnel management.
• Flexibility and Connectivity:
  • Modular design allows cobas u 601 to operate as a standalone system or be upgraded and connected to cobas u 701 to form the cobas® 6500 urine analysis system.
  • The system can connect to Roche’s laboratory automation solutions such as the cobas® connection module (CCM) and the cobas® 8100 automated workflow series.