Key Features and Specifications

• Sample Type: Whole blood, serum, or plasma

• Sample Volume: Approximately 0.09 mL (90 µL) to 0.12 mL (120 µL)

• Testing Time: About 12 minutes per test

• Analyzer Size: Around 25 cm (length) × 20 cm (width) × 30 cm (height)

• Weight: Approximately 4–4.6 kg, making it portable and easy to move

• Detection Principle: Photo-electric colorimetry and transmission turbidimetry

• Reagent Format: Single-use reagent discs containing lyophilized reagents

• Data Storage: Can store up to 500,000 test results

• Connectivity: USB and LAN ports for data transfer and integration with laboratory systems

• Maintenance: Minimal, as the analyzer uses pre-sealed reagent discs and has no complex tubing or valves

Measurement Methods & Corresponding Reagents

1. Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) Method (Most common in modern analyzers)

Reagents include:

• Internal standard (reference solution)

• Electrolyte solution for K⁺ electrode balance

• Conditioning solution

• Electrode cleaning solution

• Calibrators (Low & High K⁺)

Principle:

Potassium-selective membranes generate an electrical potential when exposed to K⁺ ions.
The potential difference is proportional to potassium concentration.
ISE is fast, accurate, and ideal for automated analyzers.

2. Turbidimetric/Colorimetric Tetraphenylboron Method

How it works:

1. Potassium reacts with sodium tetraphenylboron.

2. Forms a turbid or cloudy precipitate.

3. The degree of turbidity is measured photometrically at 510–550 nm.

4. Intensity correlates with potassium concentration.

Reagents contain:

• Sodium tetraphenylboron

• Buffer solution

• Surfactants

• Stabilizers

• Preservatives

Used in: Semi-auto analyzers and manual systems.

Packaging Formats

• Single-liquid reagent bottles

• Multi-solution electrolyte packs (for ISE analyzers)

• Ready-to-use liquid stable reagents

• Analyzer-specific cartridges

Typical sizes: 25 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml.

Sample Types

• Serum

• Plasma

• Urine (may require dilution)

• Whole blood (in ISE/blood gas analyzers)