title: Microsampling on the Technicon SMAC system.
abstract: The sample volume needed for a Technicon SMAC continuous-flow analyzer has been reduced for routine operation. Two options are available: 141 microL for a 17-test profile, or 224 microL, which allows the direct-sampling assays for creatinine and iron to be included. The sample decrease is achieved by the sequential dialysis of creatinine and iron, an increased sample dilution from sixfold to ninefold, the strict minimization of diluted sample stream wastage, and development of more sensitive methods for glucose and alkaline phosphatase to allow greater use of the diluted sample stream. A glycine-containing diluent increases the sensitivity of the iron method by 25% and prevents the protein precipitation that plagues the continuous-flow analysis for iron in plasma. No deterioration in performance of the analyzer has been detected during nine months of routine operation at the reduced sample size. Added advantages are the decreased consumption of calibration materials and an increased ability to do repeat tests.
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis; D001322:Autoanalysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D003404:Creatinine / Q000032:analysis; D003956:Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation; D005947:Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis; D013048:Specimen Handling
chemical_list: D003404:Creatinine; D007501:Iron; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D005947:Glucose; D002118:Calcium