Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Keywords

Compound Microscope, Smartphone-Assisted Keychain Microscope

Abstract

Microscopy is a fundamental technique in clinical diagnostics, yet access to the standard compound microscopes, especially in hard-to-reach communities remain limited due to cost and availability. Inadequate access to these diagnostic services persists due to attainability and convenience, which hinders the diagnostic process and puts people at risk for adverse consequences. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a smartphone-assisted keychain microscope in detecting urine sediments under patient urine samples by comparing its microscopic visualization performance to a compound microscope to determine if it can make up to be a low- cost, screening alternative for routine urinalysis based on its significant difference in urine sediment presence between the microscopes. This study employs a comparative experimental study and utilizes simple random sampling in 50 patient urine samples from the institution’s hospital laboratory; the patients were given informed consent forms. After sample collection, the researchers used materials such as ice and an ice box for the transportation of urine, microscope slides, Pasteur pipettes, conical tubes, and a centrifuge for the preparation of urine sample slides, Nikon E100 microscopes, keychain microscopes, a lamp, and an Android and an iPhone for the viewing of the urine sediments present. Results indicate that there is a significant difference in most urine sediments when comparing the keychain microscope to itself (iPhone vs. Android) and to a compound microscope, but there are specific urine sediments that are statistically proven to have no significant difference. These findings indicate that the keychain microscope shows promise for more basic or targeted use.

First Advisor

Johnmartin delos Reyes RMT, DTA, MSc, MSMT

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