SECTION 3
OPERATING THE VAPRO OSMOMETER
3.5 Calibrating
For optimum operating accuracy, the instrument must be correctly
calibrated according to the instructions in this section. Calibration
accuracy depends upon three main factors:
•
Standard solution accuracy
•
Thermocouple cleanliness
•
Loading technique (repeatability)
NOTE:
Use Optimol glass-encapsulated ampule standards for calibration.
Calibrate the instrument using the 290, 1000, and 100 mmol/kg
standards, following the initial equilibration period after you first set
up the instrument. Thereafter, we recommend that you check cali-
bration before each session of use.
NOTE:
Calibration values are saved by the instrument when power is interrupted.
Instrument Response Characteristics
Most clinical osmolality determinations range from 200 to 1000
mmol/kg. The inherent linearity of the vapor pressure method
results in an extremely linear instrument response from 100
mmol/kg to the upper limit of the osmometer’s range.
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