Technicon Instruments equipment

Fig. 11. Technicon 12-channel sequential multiple analyzer (SMA-12). The instrument illustrated is the Survey model equipped with machine-readable (IBM punch card) sample identification (by courtesy of Technicon Instruments Co. Ltd., Chertsey, Surrey, England).

It is no coincidence, then, that several companies specializing in NIR equipment should spring up in nearby communities of Maryland over the years [12]. In fairness, Dickey-John produced the first commercial NIR filter instrument, and Technicon (now Bran + Leubbe) the first commercial scanning (grating) instrument. Available instruments and the principles of operation of each type are covered in a later chapter. However, before looking at the hardware, it is necessary to understand the theory. 

Consideration of the analyses performed on the 8-channel and both models of the 12-channel Technicon equipment in relation to the earlier discussion means that these latest developments in the field of Auto-Analyzer instrumentation demand standardized sera for calibration purposes. In fact, the successful operation of the SMA-12 instrument is entirely dependent upon the careful analysis and subsequent stability of the standardizing serum, since this is used both for the initial calibration of the various analytical channels and for the subsequent monitoring for drift and application of any correction needed as a result of instrumental drift. Apart from this large demand for standardizing serum (about 70 ml in an 8-hour day), the performance of the SMA-12 should in addition be checked by means of control sera, as for any other method or combination of methods in clinical chemistry. The expense of the standardizing (and to a lesser extent the control) sera used in SMA-12 operation constitutes an important but nevertheless essential fraction of the operating costs of these instruments. 

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