A Study of Factors Influencing Continuous Flow Kinetics: The Use of Serum Calcium Estimation as a Model

Abstract

Previous studies of continuous flow kinetics have described an “AutoAnalyzer” peak in terms of two time constants, lag constant “a” and exponential constant “b”. Further investigations described here define some of the factors which affect these constants and hence peak shape and analytical performance. This communication outlines the application of this information to the development of an automated method for the determination of serum calcium, having a carry-over of less than 1 % and an analytical rate greater than 100/hour. The instaneous colour reaction, simple hydraulics, removal of the dialysis step, and the use of an integral debubbling flow cell have enabled small kinetic constants to be achieved. Over a period of three months' routine use between-batch coefficient of variation (C.V.) was 1.4%.