Design and Performance of a Miniaturized High-Speed Continuous-Flow Analyzer

Abstract

Design features and performance of a miniaturized high-speed continuous-flow analyzer are described. Special emphasis is made in the design towards a system that is free from the operational and mechanical complexities found in most of today’s advanced systems. Depending on the particular analyses, sample size varies from 3 to 25 µl and reagent consumption is less than 180 µl per sample. Analyses are performed under steady-state conditions at sampling rates of 150 samples per hour with a 2:1 or 3:1 sample-to-wash ratio. The marked reduction in sample size makes the system ideal for microanalyses, especially in the pediatric clinical laboratory, in small animal research, and in any other cases where small sample volume is especially important.