LimsPulse
Physical testing

Osmometer

Measures the osmolality of a solution, the total concentration of dissolved particles, usually by how much the solution's freezing point is lowered. Used for injections, eye drops and infusion fluids.

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Biotech
  • Clinical laboratories
  • Food & beverage
  • Academic research
Photo of a Osmometer
Photo: Zemxer, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
Follow your site SOP
This is a typical operating sequence for learning. Your instrument model and approved SOP take precedence.
STAGE 1

Before you start

  1. 1Check the calibration status and run the reference (check) solution, often 290 mOsm/kg.
  2. 2Clean and dry the thermistor probe with a lint-free tissue.
  3. 3Allow the cooling system to reach its operating temperature.
  • Do not touch the thermistor with fingers or bend it; it is fragile and easily contaminated.
STAGE 2

Measurement

  1. 1Mix the sample. Pipette the exact volume into a clean sample tube without bubbles.
  2. 2Place the tube on the probe and lower it into the cooling chamber as the instrument directs.
  3. 3Start the cycle and wait for the result.
  4. 4Record the osmolality. Repeat on fresh portions as your SOP requires (often duplicate or triplicate).
  5. 5Clean and dry the probe between samples.
  • Droplets of a previous sample on the probe change the next result.
  • Use a new sample tube for each measurement.
  • If the sample freezes too early (pre-freeze), clean the probe and repeat.
STAGE 3

After use

  1. 1Clean the probe with purified water and dry it.
  2. 2Dispose of sample tubes properly.
  3. 3Complete the log.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every Osmometer in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how