title: The automation of routine calculations and graphing for alkaline filter elution analysis on a computer-controlled liquid scintillation analyzer.
abstract: The data calculations and graphing functions for the widely used alkaline filter elution technique have been completely automated. This saves considerable time and increases both efficiency and accuracy by eliminating human error. The automation was accomplished utilizing Lotus 1-2-3 and Lotus Graphwriter II on a Packard Tri-Carb 1900CA liquid scintillation analyzer containing a built-in pico-XTE computer. A batch file is used to control the overall execution of the process. It copies the data stored by the 1900CA into the Lotus subdirectory and invokes Lotus 1-2-3. A Lotus macro automatically imports the data file, performs the calculations, and prints the results. Graphwriter II is then invoked by the batch file and the charts are composed and graphed. Finally, the instrument operating software for the 1900CA is reentered and sample analysis can be resumed for any unanalyzed samples.
authors: Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Sognier
authors: J L
authors: JL
authors: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000468:Alkalies; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003199:Computer Systems; D003201:Computers; D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005374:Filtration; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D012588:Scintillation Counting; D012984:Software
chemical_list: D000468:Alkalies; D004247:DNA