Planar hematocrit sensor incorporating a seven-electrode conductivity

Abstract

A conductivity sensor for measuring hematocrit and a sensor housing for a blood analysis instrument using the conductivity sensor are described. The conductivity sensor includes a seven-electrode conductivity measurement cell in which three symmetric pairs of electrodes are arranged on opposite sides of a central electrode. The central electrode is connected to an AC source and the outermost pair of electrodes, which provide a return path for the current, are maintained at a ground or reference potential. The two inner pairs of electrodes measure the voltage drop along the current flow path. This arrangement confines the measurement current and potential within the sensor chamber, thereby preventing the sensor from interfering with other electrochemical sensors that may be provided in the blood analysis instrument. The sensor housing provides a linear arrangement of flow cells defining a fluid flow path through the housing. The conductivity and other sensors are each located within an associated cell to form a wall portion of the flow path. The housing arrangement is simple to assemble and provides a flow path which resists fouling and is readily flushed out.