What are the different types of osmometers?

Different types of osmometers are available which work on different operating principles:

•  Freezing point osmometers are the industry-preferred models with the greatest accuracy and precision. The freezing point of water is depressed in proportion to the level of dissolved solute
• Vapour pressure osmometers avoid issues associated with high viscosity or suspended particulates that can sometimes interfere with freezing point depression
• Other osmometers based on the principles of specific gravity, refractive index, semipermeable membrane flow or conductivity are less favoured because they are now considered less reliable
• Most osmometers are supplied with a range of calibration standards and reference solutions (osmometer controls) and osmometer accessories.

What are osmometers used for in the lab?

Osmometers are key items of equipment in a range of laboratory environments:

• In clinical chemistry, for testing whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and other body fluids for metabolic and electrolytic disorders and intoxication
• Bioprocess monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry to monitor concentrations at critical points during the manufacturing process
• In organic and inorganic chemistry for determining the average molecular weight of unknown compounds or mixtures, especially polymers
• In other areas of biology, for example analysis of plant saps, hydroponic or cell culture media