How to choose the right biochemical analyzer

Biochemistry analyzers, also known as clinical chemistry analyzers, are used to measure metabolites in biological samples such as blood or urine. The investigation of these fluids allows the diagnosis of many diseases. An example of using such an analyzer is measuring urinary creatinine to assess the filtering capacity of the kidney.
When selecting a biochemical analyzer, it is important to consider whether assay automation is required, the specificity of the reagents, and the level of accuracy of the measurement. It is also important to consider the detection volume (maximum number of samples analyzed simultaneously).

Which measurement technique is used by the biochemical analyzer?

Several analytical measurement methods exist. They can be divided into two categories:

Optical technique:
Colorimetry: This is the most commonly used method. Mix the sample with the appropriate reagent to produce a color reaction. The concentration of the analyte determines the intensity of the color obtained.
Photometry: a light source is projected onto a sample with the appropriate wavelength, while a photodetector placed on the other side of the sample measures the amount of absorption of light. This is directly related to the concentration of the analyte in the sample. Here are several principles: absorbance (the ability of a medium to absorb light), turbidity (which measures the turbidity produced by a substance suspended in a liquid medium), fluorescence (the amount of light a substance absorbs at one wavelength and emits at another).

Electrochemical techniques:
Direct potentiometry: ion selective electrodes (ISEs) are widely used, mainly for the determination of the amount of ions in samples. The method was developed for the determination of sodium, potassium, chloride and lithium ions. An ion selective electrode is a sensor capable of determining the concentration of ions in solution by measuring the current flowing through an ion selective membrane.
Indirect potentiometry: this method also uses an ion selective electrode. It allows a large number of assays and is most commonly used in centralized laboratories. Unlike direct potentiometry, it requires pre dilution, expressed in molarity, to express the results.
Biochemical analyzers can provide several principles of measurement.

What options are available for biochemical analyzers?

Some models offer a wider range of analysis types than conventional analyzers. They can be used in areas of expertise such as immunology, endocrinology, toxicology, and oncology. There are models on the market that allow up to 100 types of analysis. To optimize the workflow, there are also systems to process clinical chemistry and immunoassay samples simultaneously. In this way, there is no need to process samples between different modules.

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Post time: Jun-02-2022
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