title: Improved technique for storage of tear microvolumes.
abstract: The authors have developed an improved technique for storage of fluid microvolumes prior to osmolality measurement. To date, tear samples have been stored in a column of Cargilles B immersion oil contained within a capillary tube, sealed at one end with Critoseal. Covering the open end of this tube with Parafilm now provides reliable storage of 0.5-microliter samples for up to 24 hr; using water-saturated Cargilles B immersion oil within the capillary tube, and covering the open end of the tube with Parafilm now provides reliable storage of 0.1-microliter samples for up to 18 hr.
authors.affiliation: Eye Research Institute of Retina Foundation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Gilbard
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013666:Tears / Q000737:chemistry