An evaluation of the Ames Seralyzer

Abstract

integrating sphere in a series of flashes. Light within the sphere strikes all surfaces. The light reflected vertically from the reagent area passes through a collimator and then through a Test Module filter to a sample detector. Other reflected light in the sphere passes through the Test Module filter to a reference detector. The reference and sample detector signals are converted by a microcomputer to a ratio; the series of reflectance measurements made during the test period is used to compute the result from the stored calibration line, and is shown on a display. The instrument is neat and compact in appearance (height 140ram, width 280mm, depth 380mm, weight 10kg). After allowing 20min to warm up, the appropriate Test Module is inserted, the sphere rehydrated (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) and the instrument is calibrated for the specified test by entering the value for the Low Calibrator via the keyboard. A reagent strip is placed on the Reagent Table and 30 #1 ofLow Calibrator (diluted one in three with distilled water) is pipetted onto the centre of the reagent area. The ’Start’ key is