Instrumentation Flashcards
STANDARD CURVE
- Method of converting quantity measured (e.g., absorbance) to that desired (e.g., concentration)
- Measure signal from samples with known concentration
- In simplest form, graph results; can compute equation for line as well
Standard Curve Diagram

STANDARD CURVE 2
- Standards - concentration known from some independent means (e.g., weight of substance in known V)
- Some methods show “matrix effect” - result varies with sample makeup
- Calibrators - similar to patient samples, conc. related to standards
TERMS
- In all methods, limited range of results where same equation applies, often termed reportable (linear) range
- Detection Limit - lowest value distinguishable from zero
- Functional Sensitivity - lowest value with acceptable reproducibility
- Analytical Sensitivity - sometimes used as synonym for detection limit, more properly, slope of line for determination of concentration
- Analytical Specificity - ability to measure substance of interest but not chemically similar compounds
PHOTOMETRY
- Use of light absorbance to determine amount of substance present
- Principles similar for related techniques such as nephelometry, fluorometry, flame emission, and atomic absorption
MEASUREMENT
- Relates intensity (I) of light passing through sample to that when no sample is present (I0)
- Ratio (I/I0) termed Transmittance (T) often multiplied by 100 (%T)
- Absorbance - amount of light absorbed, A = 2 - log (%T)
- Although absorbance can go to infinity, there is a practical limit in distinguishing small change in I
- Older photometers reliable from 10-90% T (0.05-1.0 A)
- Newer instruments may work to A of 2.5
BEER-LAMBERT LAW
A = a * b * c, where:
A - absorbance at wavelength
a - absorptivity constant of compound of interest (L•mol-1•cm-1)
b - path of light through solution
c - concentration
BEER-LAMBERT LAW 2
Simple form of Beer’s law works for single compounds in solution.
In biological fluids, many substances are present, producing a more complex version of the equation:

BEER-LAMBERT LAW 3
- If product (a * c) for one compound >> that for all others, then can use simpler form (e.g., Hgb, bilirubin)
- Can perform chemical reaction that produces compound with large (a * c)
- Problematic if more than one compound absorbs at wavelength
- If reagent and/or serum absorb, measure A before adding key reagent and reset to 0 (“blank”)
- If A of interferent varies, measure A at points equidistant on either side, subtract average from A; termed “Allen correction” (e.g., OD450)
BEER-LAMBERT LAW 4
- If only two compounds absorb (e.g., that of interest and Hgb), can solve by measuring A at two wavelengths
- Select one wavelength where both have same absorbance, ax (isobestic point), second where interferent has ax and compound of interest has a = 0
BEER-LAMBERT LAW Image

SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
Several elements contribute to performance:
- Light source
- Monochromator
- Specimen container
- Detector/Recorder
SPECTROPHOTOMETER LIGHT SOURCE
- Usually use continuous spectrum source (quartz halogen, tungsten)
- May use discrete spectrum source (mercury, deuterium vapor, xenon)
- Can also use high intensity single wavelength source (laser)
MONOCHROMATOR
- If continuous spectrum, need to select wavelength of interest
- Usually use prism, grating, or interference filters
- Want narrowest range of wavelengths possible to pass through, measured as width of peak T at half height (band width, half band-pass)
DETECTOR
- Photomultiplier tube - multiple stages (dynodes) that amplify # electrons released by light
- Diode array - strip of semiconductor cells that release electrons in response to light of specific wavelengths; allow measurement at multiple wavelengths simultaneously
NEPHELOMETRY
- “Cloud” meter - measure of dispersion of light by particles in solution
- Key feature: similar to photometry, but detector at angle to light source
- Turbidimetry - measured decrease in light (A) by particles, use photometer
NEPHELOMETRY 2
- Major application is for detection of antigen-antibody complexes
- Can also be used for amylase, lipase (clearance of particles of starch, triglycerides)
- Major interference - lipemia (causes light scattering)
FLUOROMETRY
- Fluorescent compounds - when excited by light, emit light of lower energy (longer ) after delay; difference in Stokes shift
- Requires second monochromator, detector at angle to light source
- Limited to compounds that exhibit fluorescence
FLUOROMETRY 2
- Few endogenous compounds show fluorescence (cortisol, quinidine)
- Can attach fluorescein or other fluorescent labels
- Inner filter - absorbs exciting light; quenching - absorbs emitted light
VARIATIONS
Time resolved - use fluorescent compounds with long emission time (europium) to distinguish from interfering fluorescent substances
Fluorescence polarization inhibition (FPI) - can be used to distinguish small, large fluorescent compounds
FPI
- Small compound - rotates before emitting light, little polarized
- Large compound - does not rotate, most fluorescence polarized
- If label antigen, can distinguish free (small), large (bound) forms, simplifying measurement
FLAME PHOTOMETRY
- Heat from flame excites group I ions (Na+, K+, Li+)
- Emit light of characteristic wavelength ; amount related to concentration
- Signal also dependent on flame temperature, concentration of other group I ions
FLAME PHOTOMETRY 2
- Use large amount of group I ion not measured (either K+ or Li+) as “internal standard” (e.g., ratio of Na+ /Li+ or K+/Li+)
- Also serves as “radiation buffer”, negating effect of change in Na+ and K+ on each other’s measurement
ATOMIC ABSORPTION
- Elements absorb light emitted by same element in cathode tube
- Decrease in light intensity (A) while passing through vaporized element directly related to concentration
- Flame or furnace used to free element from chemical bonds