ATAGO MASTER-VET Veterinary Urinometer Refractometer (Dual-Scale Handheld)
| Origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | MASTER-VET |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
The ATAGO MASTER-VET Veterinary Urinometer Refractometer is a precision optical instrument engineered for rapid, on-site assessment of urine specific gravity (USG) and serum protein concentration in canine and feline clinical practice. It operates on the fundamental principle of refractometry—measuring the degree to which light bends (refracts) when passing through a liquid sample—as governed by Snell’s Law. This optical property correlates directly with solute concentration, enabling quantitative estimation of USG and total serum protein without chemical reagents or electrical power. The MASTER-VET features a dual-scale calibrated ocular reticle optimized specifically for veterinary use: one scale for canine USG (1.000–1.060), another for feline USG (1.000–1.080), and a third linear scale for serum protein (0.0–14.0 g/100 mL). Its compact, ergonomic design supports point-of-care diagnostics in mobile clinics, shelter triage, and hospital wards—delivering reproducible results within seconds using only 1–2 drops of uncentrifuged urine or serum.
Key Features
- Optically calibrated dual-scale prism system with species-specific USG ranges: canine (1.000–1.060) and feline (1.000–1.080)
- Dedicated serum protein scale (0.0–14.0 g/100 mL) with 0.2 g/100 mL resolution
- High-precision glass prism assembly with anti-scratch coating and temperature-compensated optics
- IP65-rated housing (excluding eyepiece) — dust-tight and resistant to low-pressure water jets per IEC 60529
- Manual, battery-free operation: no electronics, no calibration drift, no software updates required
- Temperature compensation range: 5–40 °C; measurement accuracy maintained at ±0.002 USG and ±0.4 g/100 mL (serum protein) within 10–30 °C ambient
- Compact dimensions: 32 mm (D) × 34 mm (H) × 168 mm (W); net weight: 90 g — optimized for single-hand use and field portability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MASTER-VET is validated for use with native, unprocessed canine and feline urine specimens—including turbid, hematuric, or xanthochromic samples—as well as whole serum and plasma. No dilution, centrifugation, or filtration is required. Its optical design minimizes interference from common urinary constituents such as glucose, ketones, and bilirubin, ensuring robustness in routine clinical settings. While not an automated analyzer, the device aligns with CLIA-waived testing criteria under U.S. FDA guidelines for manual urinalysis tools. Its mechanical construction meets ISO 13485:2016 requirements for medical device manufacturing quality systems, and its measurement methodology is consistent with reference methods described in ASTM E2777-21 (Standard Practice for Clinical Refractometer Calibration and Verification).
Software & Data Management
The MASTER-VET is a fully analog, optical instrument with no embedded firmware, connectivity interfaces, or digital data output. As such, it requires no software installation, network configuration, or cybersecurity validation. All measurements are recorded manually in patient charts or electronic health records (EHR) by the clinician. This architecture eliminates risks associated with software obsolescence, firmware vulnerabilities, or regulatory noncompliance related to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record controls. For laboratories operating under GLP or GCP frameworks, the absence of digital logging simplifies audit preparation—results are traceable solely via handwritten documentation, instrument ID, and operator signature.
Applications
- Routine wellness screening: Monitoring USG trends in geriatric dogs and cats to assess renal concentrating ability
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) triage: Differentiating prerenal azotemia (elevated USG) from intrinsic renal disease (isosthenuria)
- Diabetes mellitus management: Evaluating concurrent dehydration status in hyperglycemic patients
- Proteinuria assessment: Semi-quantitative estimation of serum albumin loss in glomerulopathies
- Pre-anesthetic evaluation: Confirming adequate renal perfusion prior to surgical intervention
- Educational training: Used in veterinary schools and technician programs for hands-on instruction in urinalysis fundamentals
- Field deployment: Deployed by animal control units and K-9 units for rapid health assessment of working canines
FAQ
How does temperature affect measurement accuracy?
The MASTER-VET incorporates built-in temperature compensation for ambient conditions between 10–30 °C. Outside this range, users should allow the instrument and sample to equilibrate to room temperature before measurement.
Can the MASTER-VET be used for human urine analysis?
While technically capable of measuring human urine USG, the scale is optimized for veterinary reference intervals (canine/feline). Human clinical interpretation requires correlation with laboratory-specific reference ranges and is not supported by ATAGO’s validation data.
Is calibration required before each use?
No daily calibration is needed. A single zero-point verification using distilled water is recommended before first use each day or after prolonged storage.
What maintenance is required?
After each use, clean the prism surface with lens tissue and distilled water; avoid alcohol or abrasive cleaners. Store in the supplied protective case with desiccant to prevent condensation.
Does the device comply with ISO or CLSI standards?
The MASTER-VET conforms to ISO 15197:2013 principles for optical refractometry instrumentation and supports methodologies referenced in CLSI EP15-A3 for precision verification of manual urinalysis devices.
