Importance

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Abstract

Hematocrit level of a blood sample is measured by flowing the sample along a liquid flow path and using electrodes in the flow path to obtain electrical signals representative of the sample's electrical conductivity and of the concentration of an ion species in the path, either before or after the sample measurement. Electrical signals are obtained for standardizing solution conductivity and ion species concentration. A tentative sample hematocrit value is derived from the sample and standardizing conductivity signals. Then the tentative hematocrit value is corrected with reference to the sample and standardizing ion concentration signals and to the known standardizing solution ion concentration value. A control solution of the ion species at known concentration is used for evaluating the hematocrit detection apparatus; the solution also includes an ion activity enhancing agent. A removable septum assembly is used in a blood sample component measuring apparatus in which at least two standardizing solutions are introduced into the flow path. The septum assembly comprises: (a) chamber-defining members, which define a plurality of chambers, the members being permanently attached to each other; and (b) flexible septa positioned between the chambers, each septum having a slit, the slits being aligned to sealably receive therethrough an elongated probe connected to a flush fluid and each remaining chamber being connected to a standardizing fluid introducing lines, the septum assembly being removably attached as a unit to the apparatus which includes means for releasably attaching the septum assembly in position to receive the probe through the slits.

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First Claim