This instrument has been designed to use the refractive index method for measuring total protein in serum. The protein scale has been prepared after extensive clinical analyses under taken by Dr. Matsumura, Professor of Bio chemistry at the Tokyo Women's Medical College. His scale is based on the results obtained from over 1400 cases. The scale is the most reliable one at present available. As the same as serum protein, there is a correlation between refractive index by a refractometer and urine specific gravity by a hydrometer. Urine specific gravity can be taken from refractive index. Measurement range of this unit is 1.000 to 1.050. 

Technical Specifications

Key Features of the Atago T3-NE Desktop Clinical Refractometer:

1. Precise Measurements for Clinical Applications:

   • The Atago T3-NE is designed to measure the specific gravity of urine and serum protein levels, which are important indicators of kidney function, hydration status, and overall health.
   • Specific gravity measurements can be used to evaluate the concentration of solutes in urine, helping in the diagnosis of conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, and diabetes.
   • Serum protein levels can provide valuable information about liver function, nutritional status, and immune health.
     
     

2. High Accuracy:

   • The T3-NE provides highly accurate readings of both urine specific gravity and serum protein, which is essential in clinical settings where precision is critical for diagnosis and treatment.
   • It is designed to meet the accuracy requirements needed for medical diagnostics and patient care.
     
     

3. Easy-to-Use Interface:

   • The T3-NE comes with a user-friendly, large digital display that makes it easy to read the results. The intuitive controls and clear instructions reduce the learning curve for medical professionals and lab technicians.
   • Its simple operation ensures that it can be used effectively without extensive training.
     
     

4. Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC):

   • Temperature can significantly affect refractive index measurements, so the T3-NE includes automatic temperature compensation (ATC). This feature ensures that temperature fluctuations do not interfere with the accuracy of the readings, allowing for precise results even when samples are at different temperatures.
   • ATC helps provide consistent readings without the need for manual adjustments.
     
     

5. Compact and Desktop-Friendly Design:

   • The T3-NE has a compact desktop design, making it easy to incorporate into laboratory settings or clinic environments without taking up much space.
   • Despite its small footprint, it still delivers reliable performance and accuracy suitable for clinical applications.
     
     

6. Calibration and Sample Preparation:

   • The refractometer is easy to calibrate, ensuring that it stays accurate over time. It typically comes with calibration solutions or instructions for using distilled water to calibrate the device.
   • The small sample size required for testing (usually just a few drops of urine or serum) makes it ideal for clinical use, where quick turnaround times are essential.
     
     

7. Durability and Easy Maintenance:

   • The T3-NE is built with durability in mind, designed for frequent use in busy clinical or laboratory environments.
   • Its simple maintenance process includes easy cleaning of the prism and a long-lasting, reliable build.
     
     

8. Multiple Measurement Scales:

   • The Atago T3-NE is typically calibrated to measure specific gravity and serum protein concentration, but it can often be used with different scales to provide a broader range of readings, depending on the clinical requirements.
     
     

9. Data Recording and Display:

   • The results of each measurement are displayed digitally, and the T3-NE may also have memory capabilities to store results for later reference, depending on the model.
   • Some versions may allow for exporting the data for record-keeping or further analysis, which can be beneficial for tracking patient progress or comparing historical data.
     
     

Applications of the Atago T3-NE Desktop Clinical Refractometer:

1. Urine Testing:

   • The T3-NE is frequently used in hospitals, clinics, and labs to measure urine specific gravity, which indicates the concentration of solutes in urine. This measurement is often used to assess kidney function and the hydration status of patients.
   • Changes in urine specific gravity can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, diabetes, or other health issues.
     
     

2. Serum Protein Testing:

   • It is also used to measure serum protein concentration in blood samples. The protein content in serum is an important indicator of overall health and can be used to assess liver function, nutritional status, or immune system activity.
   • Serum protein levels are often tested to help diagnose conditions like liver disease, malnutrition, or immune disorders.
     
     

3. Veterinary Applications:

   • Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals can use the T3-NE to measure urine specific gravity and serum protein levels in animals. These tests help monitor the health of animals, particularly for issues like dehydration or kidney disease.
     
     

4. Clinical Research:

   • In clinical research, the T3-NE can be used to evaluate the specific gravity of urine samples in studies related to kidney function, hydration, or metabolic health.
   • It can also be used in nutritional studies to assess protein levels in the serum of participants.
     
     

5. Routine Monitoring in Healthcare Settings:

   • In busy healthcare environments, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics, the Atago T3-NE provides quick and accurate measurements for routine monitoring of patients’ kidney health, hydration, and protein status.
     
     

How It Works:

The Atago T3-NE operates based on the principle of measuring the refractive index of the sample (urine or serum). The refractive index changes depending on the concentration of dissolved substances, such as solutes in urine or proteins in serum.

1. Sample Placement:

   • A small amount of the sample (typically a few drops) is placed on the refractometer's prism.
     
     

2. Light Interaction:

   • The device shines light through the sample, and the light's angle of refraction is measured.
     
     

3. Calculation:

   • The refractometer calculates the specific gravity or serum protein concentration based on how the light is refracted by the dissolved substances in the sample.
     
     

4. Result Display:

   • The results are displayed digitally on the screen in real-time, providing immediate feedback to the user.
     
     

Benefits of Using the Atago T3-NE Desktop Clinical Refractometer:

1. Precision and Accuracy:

   • High-accuracy readings for both urine specific gravity and serum protein levels, crucial for medical diagnostics and patient care.
     
     

2. Quick and Easy Operation:

   • Its simple interface and automated system make it easy for healthcare professionals to operate and get fast results, which is critical in clinical settings.
     
     

3. Compact and Space-Saving:

   • The desktop design saves space and is suitable for laboratories, clinics, or hospitals where space is limited.
     
     

4. Non-Invasive Testing:

   • Provides a non-invasive method for testing urine or serum without the need for more complex procedures, enhancing patient comfort.
     
     

5. Automatic Temperature Compensation:

   • Ensures reliable results even when the sample is at varying temperatures, making the process more accurate and convenient.
     
     

6. Durable and Low Maintenance:

   • Easy to clean and maintain, ensuring long-term, consistent performance in busy clinical environments.