Premier's Design Awards - Charlwood Design

The Mittstrom Mid-Stream Urine Collection device designed by Charlwood Design is a finalist in the premier's Design Awards 2103.

Mittstrom Mid-Stream Urine Collection device designed by Charlwood Design

Mittstrom is an innovative device for the hygenic collection of midstream urine for analysis. It is a low-cost, fully biodegradable cornstarch saddle into which a standard pathology collection jar is placed. Initial urine is diverted from the jar by a thin membrane which dissolves over 3 seconds allowing the midstream urine to flow into the collection vial. Once finished the user simply removes the filled jar and flushes the device down the toilet. This innovative product has been granted patents internationally. Design created the simple solution to the problem, using the unique (Victorian invented) material and tested it for performance.

A simple, user-friendly, more accurate solution to the common problem of mid-stream urine collection. 17.3% of tests provided by women have to be repeated due to contamination. Mittstrom reduces contamination and retesting costs. The innovative design that makes the collection process handsfree /continuous and hygienic and is simply flushed away once used. Design innovation has transformed the business, with a competitive advantage through unique IP protected worldwide. Simple design is cost effective to manufacture with the potential to sell 220million units globally. Mittstrom has concluded a short manufacturing run and is in the process of commercialising for mass production.

Device is easily and securely attached via a specially formulated “post-it” biodegradable adhesive applied to two tabs. It can fit toilets of varying sizes and depths easily. The jar can be easily placed in it’s saddle and is held securely to remain dry and clean throughout the collection process. The patient can urinate continuously since the jar is securely held at angle so excess urine flows into the toilet.

(text and images courtesy of premier's design awards)