Solving the missing link
In the UK, a substantial number of 58,275 patients face challenges with accurate diagnoses stemming from issues with their urine specimens. This often results in declining health conditions and significant long-term financial consequences. Recognizing the critical need for an improved urine collection device, Forte Medical embarked on a mission to enhance diagnosis rates by significantly reducing the occurrence of contaminated samples. Seeking assistance from Maddison, they joined forces to develop an innovative solution and bring it to the market.
Peezy achieved acclaim at the D&AD awards, earning a wood pencil recognition for medical design.
Developing a low-cost solution
The first Peezy Midstream was a funnel formed by flat-sheet film, with a unique container-acceptor, incorporating an overflow duct. The killer ingredient to the device however, was a small compressed sponge, specified to expand once 8-10ml of urine had passed through the base of the funnel. The expanded sponge blocked the outlet to direct midstream into the collection tube, with excess diverted through a separate, integral outlet.
Further innovation
Peezy Mark I underwent comprehensive evaluations throughout the UK, receiving overwhelming praise from nurses and patients alike. However, despite its positive reception, its selling price of approximately £1.20 proved to be too expensive to meet the NHS's cost-saving requirements. To address this concern, Peezy Mark II was developed as a single-cavity injection moulded piece, retaining all the essential mechanisms and features. This innovative redesign successfully reduced the manufacturing cost by 50%, making it a more affordable and viable option for widespread adoption.
