WESCOR VAPRO 5520 Osmometer

BEFORE USE:

• Keep the instrument on.
• Make sure the instrument is in the standby mode (displaying "READY >").

CALIBRATING THE INSTRUMENT:

1. Choose the correct standard for your sample

• 290 mmol/kg for ACSF and KRC buffer.
• 1000 mmol/kg for fixatives

1. Open a fresh ampoule of the standard.
2. Turn the sample chamber lever on the right side to the "OPEN" position.
3. Use the "SELECT" keypad to select "AVERAGE MODE", then press "ENTER".
4. Pull out the sample holder.
5. Place a single sample disc into the sample holder (shiny metal well) with the supplied forceps.  NEVER touch the metal well with the forceps.
6. Pipet the standard onto the sample disc with the pipettor tip resting in the notch of the pipettor guide.  Do not touch the sample holder surface with the pipettor.
7. Push the sample holder back in, and turn the sample chamber lever to the "CLOSE" position.  If this is the third measurement, skip to Step 12.
8. The display will indicate "IN PROCESS", and the chime will sound when it's done.  The osmolality of the standard is displayed at this point.
9. Open the sample chamber, pull out the sample holder, and remove the specimen from the holder immediately after a measurement.  Use Kimwipe to carefully remove the wet disc and any residual liquid from the holder (NEVER use forceps).  If necessary, clean the holder with Kimwipe moistened with ddH₂O.
10. Repeat Steps 5 - 9 once more, and then Steps 5 - 8.
11. At end of the third measurement (keep the sample chamber closed), press "SELECT" for "CALIBRATE", then press "ENTER".
12. Clean the sample holder as described in Step 10.
13. Push the sample holder back in, and turn the sample chamber lever to the "CLOSE" position.  You can measure your sample once the instrument display “READY>”.

MEASURING THE OSMOLALITY OF YOUR SAMPLE:

1. Turn the sample chamber lever on the right side to the "OPEN" position.
2. Use the "SELECT" keypad to select "AVERAGE MODE", then press "ENTER".
3. Pull out the sample holder.
4. Place a single sample disc into the sample holder (shiny metal well) with the supplied forceps.  NEVER touch the metal well with the forceps.
5. Pipet your sample onto the sample disc with the pipettor tip resting in the notch of the pipettor guide.  Do not touch the sample holder surface with the pipettor.
6. Push the sample holder back in, and turn the sample chamber lever to the "CLOSE" position.
7. The display will indicate "IN PROCESS", and the chime will sound when it's done.  The osmolality of the sample is displayed at this point.
8. Open the sample chamber, pull out the sample holder, and remove the specimen from the holder immediately after a measurement.  Use Kimwipe to carefully remove the wet disc and any residual liquid from the holder (NEVER use forceps).  If necessary, clean the holder with Kimwipe moistened with ddH₂O.
9. Repeat Steps 5 - 9 once more, and then Steps 5 - 8.
10. At the end of the third measurement (before opening the sample chamber), average of the three measurements are displayed.  Record this in your notebook.
11. Clean the sample holder as described in Step 8.
12. Push the sample holder back in, and turn the sample chamber lever to the "CLOSE" position.