Joaquim Chaves Saúde reduces the diagnosis and treatment guidance time for urinary tract infections to 26 hours with a technology unique in Portugal
A pioneering project in the Iberian Peninsula accelerates the identification of the bacteria responsible for infection and antibiotic susceptibility testing, helping to avoid empirical prescriptions and reduce the use of inappropriate or unnecessary antibiotics.
Across all Joaquim Chaves Saúde Clinical Analysis Units, laboratory diagnosis and treatment guidance for urinary tract infections can be completed, in most cases, within approximately 26 hours from the moment the sample is received in the laboratory. This reduction in turnaround time allows patients to be directed more quickly to the most appropriate therapy, avoiding waiting periods which, in most cases, typically extend to around three days.
This process has been made possible because Joaquim Chaves Saúde was a pioneer in the Iberian Peninsula in implementing WASPLab, an integrated and automated solution for microbiology. Following the implementation of this system, turnaround times were reduced across all microbiological samples, but the impact has been particularly significant in positive urine samples. In these cases, the average turnaround time has decreased from 72 hours to 26 hours.
Traditionally, when symptoms compatible with a urinary tract infection are present, antibiotic treatment is often initiated before the final culture and antibiogram results are available, due to the time required to obtain them. Once the report is issued, it may be necessary to adjust the medication if the initially prescribed antibiotic is not the most appropriate for the causative microorganism.
By reducing the average processing time to 26 hours, Joaquim Chaves Saúde contributes to lowering antibiotic use, promoting a more targeted and responsible therapeutic approach.
Laboratório Dr. Joaquim Chaves is the only laboratory in Portugal equipped with this technology, which enables faster and more accurate diagnosis while significantly reducing result delivery times. By supporting more informed and timely therapeutic decisions, WASPLab—together with a highly specialized team—helps mitigate the risk of self-medication and avoid the potential prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
How can I obtain a diagnosis?
To obtain a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection, you simply need to visit a Clinical Analysis Unit and request a urine test (aseptic sample). No appointment or prescription is required. You should only ensure that you follow the collection requirements: proper disinfection of the urogenital area and refraining from urinating for at least 2 to 3 hours prior to sample collection.
What is WASPLab?
WASPLab is a state-of-the-art digital system that automates and integrates sample processing in microbiology, in coordination with other laboratory equipment and services.
In the case of aseptic urine culture, this technology makes it possible to confirm more quickly whether the result is positive or negative and, when positive, to proceed with a complete follow-up analysis, including bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (antibiogram).
How does WASPLab work?
WASPLab automates the entire sample workflow (reception, inoculation, incubation, digital reading, and interpretation). Its most innovative modules include:
• Inoculation module: Enables process standardization, eliminating variability associated with manual inoculation and reducing related errors;
• Smart incubation: Incubators ensure uniform and constant conditions, increasing efficiency and contributing to reduced incubation times;
• Image acquisition: Highly sophisticated cameras and multiple lighting systems for optimal capture of high‑resolution images;
• Digital reading: Stands out for significantly improved traceability, ensuring tighter control of the entire process;
• Automatic microorganism interpretation: Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms that read, interpret, and classify bacterial cultures.