Abstract:
The invention relates to means for the examination of a sample, wherein a first input light beam (L1) is totally internally reflected at a detection surface of a sample chamber (111), while a second input light beam (L1') is transmitted through the sample chamber (111). The resulting first and second output light beams (L2, L2') are detected and can be evaluated with respect to frustrated total internal reflection and optical absorbance, respectively. Preferably, both output light beams (L2, L2') are detected by a single image sensor (155).
Abstract:
The device for measuring an optical absorption characteristic of a sample according to the present invention comprising a light source, a optical wave-guide (1) having light input surface(s) (2a) and light output surface(s) (2b) that are opposite to each other, and a light reflecting surface (3) on which a sample (4) to be measured is disposed, through which the light passes and is reflected by a total reflection on the sample (4), one or more light transmitting means arranged between the light output surface (2b) of the optical wave-guide (1) and the light input surface (2a) of the optical wave-guide (1) so that the light is again entered into the optical wave-guide (1), and a processing device which receives the light re-exited from the optical wave-guide (1) through the output surface (2b) and detects the optical absorption characteristics of the sample (4) on the basis of the light received, whereby the light which passes through the optical wave-guide (1) is conducted to the optical wave-guide (1) again, the light is again entered the optical wave-guide (1), and the light is again reflected on the sample.
Abstract:
A flow cell (16) for absorbance detection with at least two different optical pathlengths (30, 32). It increases the range of analyte concentrations which can be measured compared with a conventional single path flow cell. Light from two paths (30, 32) is combined onto the same photodetector (20). Calibration with known samples allows analyte concentrations to be measured. The dual or multi-pathlength flow cell may be used in equipment designed for single path flow cells.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for detecting biological activity within a sample are disclosed. The present invention provides a combination of a first and a second infrared light source arranged on the side of a sample vial, and a first and a second narrow-band infrared detector similarly arranged on the side of the vial approximately opposite the sources. The disclosed arrangement cancels the sources of error while measuring the carbon dioxide content of the headspace gas above the sample. In operation, the present invention sequentially measures the photocurrents generated at each detector with no source turned on, with the first source turned on, and with the second source turned on and the first source turned off. The C0 2 absorption coefficient of the vial headspace gas is then calculated based on the photocurrents measured. This present invention allows compensation for source aging, detector aging, and vial wall thickness changes. Moreover, the present invention permits a determination of the absolute absorption coefficient at a selected wavelength, most preferably about 4.26 µm, which is the C0 2 absorption characteristic wavelength. The determination of the absolute C0 2 concentration within the headspace permits the detection of bacterial growth processes. Additionally, the disclosed source/detector combination can be produced at low cost. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of vials that are simultaneously monitored by providing each of the plurality of vials with its own source/detector combination and activating and deactivating the sources and detectors using a multiplexer/demultiplexer arrangement.
Abstract:
Fotometer zur kontinuierlichen Analyse eines Mediums (Gas oder Flüssigkeit) unter Verwendung von das Medium durchlaufendem Licht mit Wellenlängen, die von den einzelnen Komponenten des Mediums absorbiert werden, bei dem entweder der Lichtstrahlweg im zu analysierenden Medium periodisch auf zwei definierte Längen eingestellt wird, oder bei Ausbildung des Fotometers mit zwei festen Absorptionsstrecken unterschiedlicher Längen alternierend Licht zweier Strahlungsquellen unterschiedlicher Wellenlängen jeweils gleichzeitig über beide Absorptionsstrecken geleitet wird. Die zwei parallelen Lichtstrahlen können hierbei unter Einschaltung eines im zu analysierenden Medium angeordneten Prismas mit reflektierenden Kathoden erzeugt werden.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of determining a concentration of a substance in a cell suspension, said method comprising the following steps: - determining the concentration of the substance by: - using the results of absorption measurements performed at n local sample volumes contained at different average chamber heights of a chamber arrangement comprising the cell suspension and local substance concentration in said respective local sample volumes determined based on said respective absorption measurements; - using a substance concentration model comprising local substance concentration as a function of chamber height, and - determining the substance concentration as the infinite chamber height substance concentration using said substance concentration model and the determined local substance concentrations, wherein n is at least 2, such as at least 3, such as at least 4, wherein, optionally, the cell suspension is whole blood and the substance is Hb and wherein the method further comprises determining cRBC based on the determined Hb concentration and a determined Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH). The invention also relates to a system for executing the method.
Abstract:
Method for detecting clots (1) in a liquid (2), the liquid (2) being comprised in a sample container (3), the method comprising the steps: a) irradiating light having a first wavelength to the sample container (3) by means of a first light source (4) at a changeable vertical irradiating position (P_0 to P_n), such that the light irradiated by the first light source (4) passes through the sample container (3) along a first measurement path, b) measuring an intensity of light having the first wavelength passing along the first measurement path and exiting the sample container (3), and c) detecting clots (1) in response to the measured intensity.