Automated Electrolyte Analyzer with Autosampler

What is the Automated Electrolyte Analyzer with Autosampler?

This model adds a sample carousel or rack that presents tubes automatically, so one operator can load a batch of electrolyte requests and attend to other work. It suits hospital laboratories and dialysis units with regular batches of thirty to one hundred samples.

Overview

The autosampler holds tubes, cups or capillaries in a carousel and moves each position to the aspiration point in turn. Barcode reading identifies the sample and links the result to the worklist, and the analyzer can be programmed to run calibrators and controls at defined positions within the batch. Between samples the probe is washed to control carryover, which is specified as a percentage for sodium and potassium. Continuous access to a STAT position allows an urgent sample to be inserted without interrupting the batch. Throughput rises to 100 to 180 samples per hour, and results are transmitted to the laboratory information system, which makes the instrument suitable as the main electrolyte analyzer in a medium-size laboratory.

How does it work?

An ion-selective electrode consists of a membrane that responds selectively to one ion, an internal filling solution and a reference electrode. When the sample contacts the membrane, a potential develops across it that follows the Nernst equation, changing by about 59 millivolts for a tenfold change in ion activity at 25 degrees Celsius. The analyzer measures this potential against the reference electrode, corrects for temperature, and calculates concentration from a two-point calibration with standard solutions of known activity. Direct measurement presents undiluted whole blood, plasma, serum or urine to the electrode, which is preferred for whole blood samples and for patients with abnormal protein or lipid content. Indirect measurement dilutes the sample with a reagent before the electrode, which suits diluted samples and automated high-throughput operation. Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, lithium and magnesium electrodes differ in membrane composition.

What are the key features?

• Carousel or rack autosampler with 30 to 100 positions
• Barcode identification linked to the LIS worklist
• Programmable calibration and control positions within a batch
• Continuous-access STAT position for urgent samples
• Automatic probe washing with specified carryover limits
• Throughput of 100 to 180 samples per hour

What are the technical specifications?

A typical automated electrolyte analyzer with autosampler configuration offers throughput of 100–180 samples/h, autosampler capacity of 40–100 positions by carousel or rack, sample types of Serum, plasma, whole blood, urine, capillary, sample volume of 80–150 µL per measurement, carryover of < 1 % for Na+ and K+ and calibration of Automatic, user-defined interval from 1 to 8 h. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Automated Electrolyte Analyzer with Autosampler is used in hospital laboratory batch electrolyte testing, dialysis unit laboratory testing, outpatient laboratory workflows and multi-ward inpatient electrolyte requests. Across the wider Electrolyte Analyzers class, laboratories also deploy it for critical care and emergency electrolyte testing, dialysis and renal unit monitoring and surgical and perioperative assessment.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 15189, CLSI EP05, CLSI EP15, CLSI C29, IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-101. Certification candidates for this model are CE, ISO 13485 manufacturing and NMPA class II registration; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Install the analyzer on a level bench away from direct sunlight and heat sources, with a grounded power supply and enough space for reagent and waste containers. Verify performance at installation with aqueous standards and with split serum samples compared against another method, and check the slope of each electrode, which should fall within the expected Nernstian range. Daily tasks include calibration with the supplied standards, measurement of normal and abnormal control material, and inspection of the sample path for air bubbles, clots or protein deposits. Electrodes and tubing are replaced when slope, response time or precision deteriorates. Treat all blood samples as infectious, dispose of waste according to local rules, and record every maintenance action for accreditation.

How do I select the right Automated Electrolyte Analyzer with Autosampler?

Choose the autosampler version when samples arrive in batches and staff cannot present each tube manually, typically above fifty electrolytes per day. In the RFQ state the tube and cup sizes used, whether barcode reading is required, the carryover specification for each analyte, and the maximum time a STAT sample waits for insertion.

How does it compare with other Electrolyte Analyzers variants?

Choose an electrolyte analyzer when the electrolyte request volume justifies a dedicated instrument, typically more than thirty tests per day, or when whole blood electrolytes must be available within minutes. Decide first between direct and indirect measurement, since they give different reference intervals and cannot be combined in one report. Then check whether you need whole blood capability, urine mode, or additional analytes such as ionised calcium, lithium or magnesium. Compare calibration frequency and electrode life, because these drive running cost, and the sample volume, which matters for pediatric and neonatal work. Confirm that the instrument reports temperature-corrected results, that it has a clot detection or blockage alarm, and that results can be transmitted to the laboratory information system.