Semi-Automatic Single-Sample Electrolyte Analyzer

What is the Semi-Automatic Single-Sample Electrolyte Analyzer?

A semi-automatic electrolyte analyzer measures one manually presented sample at a time with a simple calibration and aspiration sequence. It costs less than an automated model and suits small clinics, veterinary practices and laboratories with fewer than thirty electrolyte requests per day.

Overview

The operator places the sample at the aspiration probe or injects it into the sample port, presses the start key, and the instrument performs the measurement, calculates the result and prints it. Calibration is run at defined intervals or when a control fails, and the analyzer keeps the electrodes conditioned between measurements. Parameter sets are usually sodium, potassium and chloride, with optional calcium, and the sample volume is around 100 microliters. Because the instrument handles one sample at a time, throughput is 40 to 80 samples per hour, which is ample for small sites. Maintenance is limited to daily calibration, cleaning of the sample port and probe, and electrode replacement when slope or precision deteriorates.

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?

• Manual single-sample aspiration with start key operation
• Sodium, potassium and chloride as standard with optional calcium
• Calibration at user-defined intervals or on control failure
• Sample volume around 100 microliters
• Standby conditioning to keep electrodes moist
• Built-in printer with simple result records

What are the technical specifications?

A typical semi-automatic single-sample electrolyte analyzer configuration offers measured analytes of Na+, K+, Cl- with optional Ca2+, throughput of 40–80 samples/h, sample volume of About 100 µL, measuring range K+ of 1.0–10.0 mmol/L, calibration of Two-point, every 4 h or on demand and sample types of Serum, plasma, whole blood, urine. 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 Semi-Automatic Single-Sample Electrolyte Analyzer is used in small clinic electrolyte testing, veterinary practice electrolyte measurement, outpatient dialysis follow-up and backup analyzer for urgent electrolytes. 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 Semi-Automatic Single-Sample Electrolyte Analyzer?

Specify this variant when the daily electrolyte volume is low, when space and budget are limited, or when a backup instrument for urgent samples is needed. In the RFQ confirm the sample volume, the calibration interval and standard consumption, and the availability of electrodes and standards locally, since supply interruptions are the main operational risk for a low-volume site.

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.