A Rapid Semiautomatic System of Chemical Analysis Using True Microspecimens.

This paper describes some biochemical applications of a self-filling, self-measuring, disposable, dilution micropipet. The device consists of a precision capillary in a plastic adapter and an attachable plastic bottle containing a premeasured volume of diluent or reagent. The human error in measuring microvolumes of liquid is elimicted by the self-filling, self-measuring action of the capillary. A quantitative nsfer of sample to reagent is made by introducing the capillary into the bottle 1d rinsing the capillary by applying and releasing pressure on the walls of the container. The volume and composition of the reagent in the bottle can be varied depending on the test to be performed. An interesting application is its use as a disposable centrifuge tube containing a premeasured volume of stable deproteinizing agent. Other examples are determination of protein, bilirubin, serum sodium, and potassium, and predilution of serum or plasma for the microglucose determination using automatic chemical an’lysis.