A MODIFIED SEMIAUTOMATED TECHNIQUE FOR IN-VITRO ASSESSMENT OF ENCRUSTATION OF MATERIALS

In vitro study of encrustation is an important part of assessment of m aterials as potential alloplasts or devices in the urinary tract. This modified semi-automated technique comprises a circular reaction chamb er with an encrustation mixture, the level of which is controlled by a float switch which operates the exit peristaltic pump. The compositio n of the reactants used simulates infected urine with alkaline pH. Res ults of a preliminary study of the deposits by scanning electron micro graphy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis are consi stent with struvite and hydroxyapatite, similar to the main minerals d eposited on urinary catheters. It is a relatively simple, effective an d inexpensive set-up for study of encrustation on materials.