Electrolyte analyzers measure electrolytes in serum, plasma and urine. Electrolytes are vital to the maintenance of important body functions such as sustaining proper body Ph, regulating function of the heart and other muscles, and participating in enzymatic functions. An imbalance in electrolytes could cause serious complications such as congestive heart failure, diabetes insipidus, and kidney diseases. That is why analyzing electrolytes is necessary for health diagnostics.
What should you consider?
Electrolyte analyzers tend to have diverse specifications. Its major components are the reagents, electrode module, peristaltic pump, and sample probe. Automated systems feature comprehensive test menu, a high throughput as well as STAT testing. The most common methods of analysis are the Flame Emission Photometry (FEP) and Ion Selective Electrode (ISE). Flame Photometry can be used to measure Na+, K+ and Li+. It provides an indirect measurement, while ISE methods offer direct measurements. Most analyzers use ISE technology to make electrolyte measurements.
• analysis method (Flame Emission Photometry (FEP) or Ion Selective Electrode (ISE))
• whether you’ll need to perform STAT testing
• measuring technique (colorimetric or photometric)
• its degree of linearity
• the analyzer’s stability, precision, and specificity
