Laboratory Equipments
Microscope | Centrifuge | Refractometer | Chemistry Analyzers | Hematology Analyzers | Coagulation Analyzers | Quality control of all laboratory equipments
REFRACTOMETER
Purpose
The purpose of a refractometer is to measure the refractive index of a solution. When measuring a solution (i.e., urine), light passes through the sample and bends. The angle of this refraction is visualized as a shadow and correlates to the concentration of the solution. The most common use of a refractometer in clinical laboratories is to measure urine specifc gravity and plasma total protein. Refractometers have built-in scales to measure both of these, and some brands of refractometers will also possess a refractive index scale. This scale, with the use of an appropriate conversion chart, can be used to measure the concentration of many other solutions.
Calibration
It is good practice to calibrate the refractometer at the beginning of each day. This is achieved by applying a large drop of distilled water on the prism and adjusting the blue/white line to read exactly 1.000 on the scale. The adjustment knob or screw is located on various places of a refractometer; therefore, the manufacturer’s guide will need to be consulted.
Tips: Cover the entire prism with the liquid (urine or plasma) being examined. Reading urine and plasma at room temperature will provide the most accurate results.
Microscope | Centrifuge | Refractometer | Chemistry Analyzers | Hematology Analyzers | Coagulation Analyzers | Quality control of all laboratory equipments
REFRACTOMETER
PurposeThe purpose of a refractometer is to measure the refractive index of a solution. When measuring a solution (i.e., urine), light passes through the sample and bends. The angle of this refraction is visualized as a shadow and correlates to the concentration of the solution. The most common use of a refractometer in clinical laboratories is to measure urine specifc gravity and plasma total protein. Refractometers have built-in scales to measure both of these, and some brands of refractometers will also possess a refractive index scale. This scale, with the use of an appropriate conversion chart, can be used to measure the concentration of many other solutions.
Calibration
It is good practice to calibrate the refractometer at the beginning of each day. This is achieved by applying a large drop of distilled water on the prism and adjusting the blue/white line to read exactly 1.000 on the scale. The adjustment knob or screw is located on various places of a refractometer; therefore, the manufacturer’s guide will need to be consulted.
Tips: Cover the entire prism with the liquid (urine or plasma) being examined. Reading urine and plasma at room temperature will provide the most accurate results.
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