PERIOTRON-8000 - CALIBRATION CHARACTERISTICS AND RELIABILITY

The Periotron is an instrument designed to quantify submicrolitre volu mes of fluid sampled on a filter paper strip. To date 3 models have be en manufactured: the Periotron 600 (1976), the Periotron 6000 (1983) a nd more recently the Periotron 8000 (1995). This paper investigated fo r the first time the calibration characteristics and reliability of th e Periotron 8000. The fluids under investigation were: de-ionised wate r, human serum, fetal bovine serum and an ultrafiltrate of fetal bovin e serum. Quantitative analysis was studied by recording a series of Pe riotron readings over a volume range of 0-1.0 mu l for each fluid. The average of 5 Periotron values for each particular fluid was then plot ted versus the respective fluid volume. Qualitative changes in fluid c omposition versus Periotron Scores were also analysed. Volume conversi on for Periotron scores using both Periotron MLCONVRT software and a b est fit equation selected from TableCurve 2D software compared well. T he results of this study revealed that: 1)differences in calibration f luid composition (e.g. protein content) are reflected in the Periotron scores 2) positioning of filter paper strip between the jaws of the P eriotron should be standardised, 3) calibration of the Periotron 8000 seems to be consistent over a I-wk interval.