Reichert VET 360 User manual

Reichert
VET 360
Instruction Manual

ReichertVET360
TotalSolidsRefractometer 1.0 Introduction ................................2
2.0 OperatingInstructions ................ 2
3.0 Calibration .................................. 4
4.0 TemperatureCompensation ........4
1.0Introduction
TheReichertVet360TSMeterModel 137536L0TotalSolidsRefractometerhas
beendesigned for simple,rapid microanalysis ofbody fluids inveterinary medi-
cine. The three scale reticle provides read out for urine specific gravity of dogs
andlarger animals,cats,and total proteinfor allanimals.The remaining scale is
calibratedfor protein concentration of plasmaor serumbased on humandata.
Determinationsarepreciseandrapid and requireonlyadropoffluid sample.The
valueon theappropriate scale,as seenthrough theeyepiece, isread wherethe
sharp boundary between dark and light fields crosses the scale.
Theinstrumentistemperaturecompensatedfortemperaturesbetween60°F(16°C)
and 100°F (38°C).The reading does not need to be adjusted for either the tem-
peratureof thesample orambient temperatures.
TheConversionTables in thismanual(pages4-6) correlatedataonthescales to
refractive index and to the relevant total solids.
2.0OperatingInstructions
Hold the instrument in a horizontal position and swing up the cover plate to
expose both the measuring prism and the bottom surface of the cover plate. If
necessary, clean the exposed surfaces.
Placea dropor twoof sampleon the prism (Figure 1).Do notuse glassor metal
applicators since they may scratch the prism surface.To minimize evaporation,
close the cover plate over the prism immediately.
The instrument may also be loaded by closing the cover plate onto a clean, dry
prism and then placing the sample liquid on the exposed portion of the prism,
suchthatthe liquidwill bedrawninto thespacebetween theprism and thecover
plate by capillary action.Avoid lifting the cover plate while taking a reading.

To hold the instrument for a reading, place your finger(s) on the cover plate and
pressit gently, butfirmly. Thisspreads thesampleinathin, evenlayeroverthe
prism. Point the instrument toward a light source such as the sky, window or
lamp. The instrument should be tilted with respect to the light source until the
optimumcontrast betweenlight anddark boundariesis obtained(Figure 2).
Take a reading at the point where the dividing line between light and dark fields
crosses the scale. (Figure 3)
Values can be read directly from the scales. The
sharpdefinition of contrastbetween thelight and
darkfieldsseen throughtheeyepiece assists ac-
curatereadings.
Toclean therefractometeruse asoftclothor soft
tissue paper moistened with water and wipe the
prismandbottomsurfacesof thecoverplate.Dry
the surfaces with a soft cloth or tissue paper. If
thesurfaces arenotwell cleanedbefore thenext
sampleis loaded,an erroneousor fuzzydividing
line may result. Do not immerse the eyepiece in
water. Never use gritty cleaning compounds or
very hot water to clean it.
Figure3
WARNING: Never exposetheinstrument totemperaturesabove 150°F(60°C).

3.0Calibration
Reichert Hand-Held Refractometers rarely need adjustment. To check adjust-
ment,make surethe temperature ofthe instrumentis between70°F (21°C) and
85°F(29°C)andtakeareadingwith distilledwater. Ifreadingdeparts from1.000,
correction can be made by adjusting the screw on the bottom of the instrument.
Turnthe screwfirstcounterclockwise tomovethe dividinglinebelow 1.000,then
clockwise to 1.000. Make sure the final adjustment is always clockwise. Never
remove the screw from the instrument.
4.0Temperaturecompensation
The Refractometer is temperature compensated to provide direct and accurate
refractive readings of aqueous solutions. The temperature of the sample has
little or no bearing on the accuracy of the reading since it is so small that it
immediately equilibrates to the temperature of the instrument. As long as the
temperatureof the instrumentis between60°F(16°C) and100°F (38°C),design
accuracyismaintained.Theactual temperatureerrorforthe instrument isshown
on the charts (Figure 4) for different concentrations. The largest error occurs at
thelowestscale readingsandparticularlywith purewaterat temperature of65°F
(18°C)andbelow.
UNCOMPENSATEDINSTRUMENT
REICHERTTEMPERATURE-COMPENSATEDREFRACTOMETER

Reichert Analytical Instruments
Reichert, Inc.
3362WaldenAve.
Depew, NY14043
USA
TollFree: 888-849-8955
Phone:[phone]
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email:[email protected]
www.reichert.com
Reichert GmbH
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Germany
Tel:[phone]
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©2003Reichert,Inc.DepewNY,USA137536L0-100Rev.C