[Comparison of two osmometers at the clinical chemistry laboratory]

Measurement of osmolality and calculation of osmolar gap are useful diagnostic tools in pathological situations such as hyponatremia, or intoxication by methanol or ethylene glycol. It is thus necessary to handle reliable systems of osmolality measurement. The aim of this study was to compare performances of two currently available osmometers, Fiske 210 and Advanced 3300 devices, both of them being distributed by Radiometer S.A.S. society, in order to determine the best criteria for purchase. This study showed very good performances of repeatability and reproductibility for both analyzers (CV< 2.1%) and a good correlation of results between them and with the osmometer routinely used in the laboratory. Other criteria such as a more suitable praticability for our needs and a better quality/price ratio orientated our choice towards Fiske 210 osmometer.