Automated Wet Chemical Analysis

Automated discrete analyzers utilize colorimetric and enzymatic measurements of several analytes simultaneously from a single sample through photometric analysis. The discrete analyzer mimics the operation sequence of lab chemists such as dispense sample, mixing reagent, waiting for the reaction to complete, followed by photometric measurement, to provide fast and reproducible results. Discrete analyzers consist of four components: a photometer with a specific number of filter positions, dispensing probes, an incubator to control the reaction temperature, and a mixer. In discrete analysis, each individual reaction cell is isolated, and temperature is stabilized, enabling highly controlled reaction conditions.

After the reagents and samples are prepared, they are loaded onto the instrument and the probes dispense fixed amounts of reagents and samples into the individual cuvettes. Next, the individual cuvettes are loaded into the incubation chamber, samples and reagents dispensed to the individual cuvettes and then mixed, and finally undergo photometric detection depending on the absorbance of specific wavelengths of light. Each measurement is done using single discrete cuvettes. These data are then interpreted through integrated software platforms.

Advanced discrete analyzers use disposable cuvettes that eliminate the carryover effect and reduce the reagent consumption substantially. The number of wet chemical parameters a discrete analyzer can measure is limited by the number of filter positions and the wavelength range.

Discrete analysis consolidates and simultaneously tests for up to 20 different wet chemical parameters — using a single instrument with a single operator. A discrete analyzer, with miniaturized components and a unique low-volume cuvette design, accommodates small reagent volumes, minimizes reagent waste, and as a result, reduces analysis cost.

Why operate multiple analyzers, when you can do all your essential testing with one? Thermo Scientific™ Gallery™ and Gallery™ Plus discrete analyzers are easy to use, automated systems that allow laboratories to simplify their testing with the dual benefits of time and cost savings. All necessary analysis steps are automated, providing true walk-away time for the operator. It is a fully integrated walkaway solution: the testing workflow is easy to learn, and can be left unattended, improving throughput, system uptime and staff productivity. Gallery and Gallery Plus discrete analyzers automate manual wet chemistry methods, photometric (colorimetric and enzymatic), and electrochemical (pH and conductivity) analysis, mimicking the operation of lab chemists, to provide fast, reproducible results in a compact design.

While traditional analysis requires multiple wet chemistry methods and, therefore, multiple samples, the Gallery discrete analyzer consumes a maximum of 300 μL of sample per test, can test for up to 20 parameters per sample, and runs up to 200 tests per hour. As a result, the cost per analysis is 10 to 20 times less than traditional wet chemistry methods.

• Learn: How discrete wet chemical analysis is bringing flexible, cost-effective multiparameter testing to the beverage industry

What is a flow injection analyzer?

A typical Flow Injection Analyzer (FIA), Continuous Flow Analyzer (CFA), or Continuous Segmented Flow Analyzer (SFA) system consists of an autosampler, a peristaltic pump, a chemistry manifold, a photometric detector and data acquisition software. This setup is commonly referred as a channel or chemistry manifold. The number of wet chemical parameters a flow analyzer can handle is limited by the number of channel or chemistry manifold.

What are the advantages of FIA, SFA, and CFA over discrete analyzers?

Flow analyzers are ideal when a larger number of samples are to be analyzed for a smaller number of chemistries. Continuous Flow Injection analyzers, being modular, can add additional sample preparation blocks for difficult sample matrices. Some of the FIA, SFA, and CFAs can perform inline heating, distillation, dialysis, filtration and digestion. Users could change the measuring pathlength to enhance detection limits.

What are the advantages of discrete analyzers overflow injection or Segmented Flow analyzers?

Major advantages of a discrete analyzer over FIA or SFA are the number of parameters per sample that a discrete analyzer can test, lower reagent and sample consumption, lower cost per analysis, very low or no carry over, easy to use and maintain, stable calibration and a walkaway solution.

A specific channel or manifold requirement limits the number of wet chemical parameters a FIA, SFA or CFA can test per sample. Increasing the number of channels increases the cost of the equipment proportionately. Gallery discrete analyzers have 12 filter positions (equivalent to 12 channels in a flow injection analyzer), which allows up to 20 different wet chemical parameters to be tested per sample.

What is better for automating wet chemical analysis?

If a laboratory is looking for an easy-to-use, high throughput, expandable, multiparameter, wet chemistry analyzer for a large number of samples, then integrated discrete analyzers are better suited than any type of flow analyzers. If your lab still relies on traditional flow injection analysis or segmented flow analysis, the benefits of high throughput, multi-parameter analysis are within reach. With Gallery and Gallery Plus discrete analyzers, you can put the power of technology to work for you— helping you deliver more results in less time. Our technical specialist can help transfer your existing photometric or FIA method to the Gallery platform to ensure complete success.

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