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[Automated method for determining calcium in biological liquids]
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|January 1, 1977
Summary
A new continuous flow method accurately determines calcium in biological fluids without deproteinization. This technique offers reliable results for serum and urine calcium levels, with minimal interference from common substances.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Accurate determination of calcium in biological fluids is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions.
- Existing methods for calcium analysis often involve complex procedures like deproteinization or dialysis, increasing analysis time and cost.
- The need for a simpler, faster, and reliable method for routine calcium determination in clinical laboratories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a novel continuous flow method for the determination of calcium in biological fluids.
- To assess the method's accuracy, reliability, and interference profile compared to a standard technique (atomic absorption spectrophotometry).
- To establish physiological reference values for serum calcium in a specific population.
Main Methods:
- Development of a continuous flow technique utilizing orthocresol phthaline in an alkaline medium.
- Incorporation of hydroxy-8-quinoleine to eliminate magnesium interference and dimethyl sulfoxide to enhance reagent solubility and stability.
- Validation of the method by analyzing 160 human sera and 40 urines, comparing results with atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- The proposed continuous flow method demonstrated good correlation with atomic absorption spectrophotometry for calcium determination.
- Minimal interference was observed from hemolysis, bilirubin, magnesium, and phosphates, indicating high specificity.
- Potential for overestimation of results in opalescent, cloudy, or lactescent sera was noted.
Conclusions:
- The developed continuous flow technique provides a simple, rapid, and accurate method for calcium determination in biological fluids.
- The method is suitable for routine clinical laboratory use due to its minimal interference and good correlation with established techniques.
- Physiological reference values for serum calcium were established for a Paris student population.