In shopping centers across China, high-tech toilets capable of testing urine samples have been put into use.
According to Oddity Central, images of this unusual toilet at a shopping mall in Beijing have recently gone viral on social media, sparking lively debates.
Self-testing urine toilet. (Photo: Bastille Post).
The toilet is equipped with a complete digital screen and an integrated payment processor, allowing users to test their urine after using the toilet. This sanitary device also features hidden sensors that analyze urine, capable of detecting a range of substances—including calcium, glucose, protein, ketones, ascorbate, and others—in the human body.
The information displayed on the screen indicates that the developer has received several patents for the urine testing technology. However, the accuracy of the tests remains a contentious issue.
According to Bastille Post, the company behind this high-tech toilet claims that their device operates on principles similar to those used in hospital laboratories. Test results can serve as health references. However, it appears that very few people trust these results, considering the location of the toilet and hygiene concerns.
The company has stated that their engineers considered hygiene issues when designing the toilet, but they have not gone into detail.
This toilet operates on principles similar to those used in hospital laboratories. (Photo: O.C).
When using the toilet, a notification appears on the screen: “You will receive a urine test report after using the toilet; will you pay for this service?” along with a QR code for payment. The testing process takes about 2 minutes after scanning the code and confirming payment. The cost for each test is $2.80—significantly cheaper than urine testing in hospitals.
High-tech toilets have been present in China since 2021, but this device has only recently gained widespread attention after several images of toilets in Beijing’s commercial district circulated on social media.
According to a Chinese doctor, the results of the urine tests conducted by the smart toilet should only be regarded as health advice, as there are still certain discrepancies compared to tests conducted at clinics or hospitals.
Following heated debates about this smart toilet on the internet, a user shared a photo of a disclaimer stating: “This product is not a medical device. The test results produced by this toilet cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis and should only be used as a reference for health management data.”
