Metrohm has developed a method for the analysis of total parental nutrition (TPN) solutions, which are often administered to vulnerable patients such as sick or newborn babies.
TPN is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract where the fluids are given into a vein to provide most of the necessary nutrients that the body needs.
Typical electrolytes within a TPN solution include acetate, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
The company has developed methods for the analysis of both anion and cation analytes within TPN solutions using its Intelligent IC instruments.
TPN solutions represent a challenging sample matrix and deliver a mixture of fluid, electrolytes, calories, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and often fats into an infant's vein.
Intelligent IC can be used to assay both the anion and cation constituents, usually with analysis times of less than 20 minutes, and the sample preparation is often no more complicated than a simple dilution.
The nature of the MagIC Net controlling software means that the instrument can be run and a result obtained by a technician with a couple of mouse clicks.
The electrolytes play a number of important roles within the body, including the regulation of hydration, blood pH and nerve and muscle function.
It is important that the constituents are monitored as an ion imbalance can cause serious illness and, in the event of a serious overdose, can cause liver problems and infant death.
Monitoring functionality and control charts within the software mean that the TPN assays can be profiled over a period of time and if values be outside of a strictly defined tolerance, the user is notified through the software so that remedial measures may be instigated.
