Veterinary Refractometer – Veterinary Urine Scales – Dog & Cat Urine Specific Gravity – MISCO VETMED02 Refractometer

Digital Refractometer for Clinical Veterinary Practice

Did you know that you can’t measure Feline urine with most refractometers? Find out how to tell if your veterinary refractometer is actually a human refractometer in sheep’s clothing!

Refractometers have become essential diagnostic instruments in nearly all clinical practices. However, it is shocking to discover that so many practices are using instruments that are designed for human urine instead of using specially-designed veterinary refractometers.

Numerous research studies, as far back as 1956, have shown that the urine from cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs differs from that of humans, dogs and large animals. In fact, specific gravity readings of feline urine measured on a refractometer designed for humans will yield falsely elevated values. This is because refractometers do not measure specific gravity directly. They actually measure the refractive index of a fluid and convert the readings into specific gravity. This conversion can be different for different species.

The new MISCO VETMED02 Refractometer is a portable digital testing instrument designed for the determination of urine specific gravity in a clinical veterinary practice or testing laboratory. The VETMED02 may be used to instantly and accurately measure urine specific gravity with species specific scales for canine and large animal urine, as well as separate scales for testing feline urine.

The VETMED02 precision is comparable to mid-range bench-top refractometers costing thousands of dollars more, yet it costs only $435 (US). The fully digital instrument removes the subjectivity associated with analog refractometers that require users to interpret where a boundary line crosses tiny scale divisions. The digital design also eliminates the need to bring urine close to the face and eyes.

A simple, user-friendly interface consists of two buttons: one to take readings and the other to step through various menu options. The large dual-line LCD display is easily read, even in dim light, and readings are automatically temperature compensated for fluids read between 0 and 50 °C (+32 to 122 °F). Calibration of the VETMED is also automatic and does not require special calibration solutions or tools.