2. Social Factors May 28th, 2014
Biological
A large number of all medical diagnostics begin with sampling the urine from patient(s) for the assessment of their health in screening and planning their immediate and future care. The urinalysis test strip is one of the most economical, easy and quick ways to test for biological and physical factors affecting a person’s health. The factors used in development of this project have focused on the excretory systems.
The design is very gender neutral, as the urinalysis test strips are designed to be used as easily by men as women. Nurses and nursing assistants are asking their patients for urine specimens on a regular basis, and the preliminary testing is usually done with this product.
Men and women use the urinalysis test strip in slightly different ways. The product is only used to test different specimens collected from the female renal system versus the male renal system. Care must be taken to note functions of different gender function issues that may interfere with the test, such as ejaculation for men and menstruation for women. Even a female hamster was tested with urinalysis test strips to reveal initial diagnostics in an animal case where blood was detected in its urine. (Nevarez, J.G., Schnellbacher, R. & Rademacher, N., 2010)
Social
Studies have noted changes in society due to the urinalysis test strip. Renal functioning requires the kidneys to be working at all times. Chronic kidney disease is a public health concern and can be prevented or treated with the right amount of laboratory analysis and clinical care. Perspectives for how the society is changed because of this product is shown in urinalysis back-up testing. (Cimo, 2003)
The technology has not been dubbed disruptive. It is a safe, easy, effective and inexpensive way to avoid further laboratory testing in most cases. The technology behind the urinalysis test strip has made the olden days of time constraining urinalysis testing in the laboratory almost obsolete.
Cultural
There have been studies to show that all cultures are influenced by renal disease. Even the great Dr. Linus Pauling, chemist, had “Bright’s disease” and was subject to urinalysis in January 1944. (Pauling, 1944) In that time period the name of the disease was used for acute or chronic nephritis. It was typically denoted by the presence of serum albumin (blood plasma protein) in the urine, and frequently accompanied by edema and hypertension. They no longer use the term “Bright’s disease” and they were not able to use urinalysis test strips at the time.
The perception worldwide is that urinalysis test strips are a cultural, gender-less and equal answer to testing for renal deficiencies as well as for blood glucose and other diagnoses.
Economic
The economics of the urinalysis test strip affect women and men equally. Home keytone test strips from Acetoacetic Acid/Reagent Strips for Urinalysis, manufactured by NIPRO Diagnostic, purchased from Walgreens to test blood glucose levels cost $11.99 for 50 strips. A medical equipment review shows one type of urinalysis machine which is used in the clinical setting. The cost would be passed on to the consumer in their medical bill. (Barnard, 2008)
Political
There are political solutions that resulted from use of the product. Political problems are non-existent, for the use of urinalysis test strips in the diagnosis of renal disease and blood diseases has made the world a more responsive planet to health concerns for all. The cost factor is a huge upside to economies of any size, where otherwise politics might be more influenced by problems.
Educational
Users are educated through their medical training or through instructions on the manufacturer’s directions that come with the product. The education is commensurate with the degree of technology necessary with the urinalysis test strip being use.
The education industry is not directly affected by the use or non-use of this product. The urinalysis test strip has far reaching implications for educating those who are tested, given that directions to succeed in their health quest are based from the results. The medical education community certainly would be affected for any training involved with support and testing of this product.
