How an Osmometer Works & How We Save You Time & Money

The Advantages of Excedr’s Osmometer Leasing Program:

• Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing equipment by spreading its cost over time
• Minimizes equipment downtime with included complete repair coverage and preventive maintenance
• Takes advantage of potentially 100% tax deductible* payments, providing you significant cash-savings
• Expedites the administrative work needed for instrument procurement and logistics
• Conserves working capital,  enabling you to reinvest in your core business and operations (staffing, inventory, marketing/sales, etc.)
• Accommodates all manufacturer and model preferences

*Please consult your tax advisor to determine the full tax implications of leasing equipment.

An osmometer is an analytical instrument used to measure the osmolality or osmolarity in different aqueous samples, such as plasma, urine, serum, and biologic drugs.

An osmometer is useful for determining the total number of salts (sodium), sugars (glucose), and electrolytes (potassium) found in blood or urine samples. Because of this, osmometers are often employed during cases of dehydration, electrolyte fluctuations, change in glucose levels, sodium and potassium disorders, poisoning, adrenal gland disorders, and even neurological injury.

Osmometers can be used for a variety of applications that include clinical studies and treatment, biopharmaceutical testing and manufacturing, and QA/QC of consumer products.

To better understand how osmometers work, let’s review osmolality and osmolarity.

Osmolality, a type of test, can be defined as the measurement of osmotic particle concentration in a solution by weight. The weight is defined in terms of osmoles per kilogram (Osm/kg).

An osmole is a unit that describes the number of moles present in a solution, and measures at 1 osmole per 1 mole of dissolved solute in a substance. A mole, simply defined, is the SI base unit for the amount of substance. Osmometers are capable of measuring in milliosmoles, or 1/1000 of an osmole, making these devices highly sensitive and precise. Thus, osmolality can be defined as the concentration of dissolved solutes per kilogram in a solution (Osm/kg or mOsm/kg).

It is used to determine the total number of solute particles within the solution that contribute to osmotic pressure, the pressure difference required to prevent osmosis across a semipermeable membrane.

Osmolality measurement works the way it does because during osmosis, water molecules move through the membrane in order to create balance between unequal concentrations of solution. The water will travel from the area that is more concentrated to the area that is less concentrated thus maintaining equilibrium.

This movement is defined by osmotic pressure, which is caused by different levels of concentration of solutes present on either side of the membrane. The water molecules present will migrate to the side of the membrane with less osmotic pressure.

In contrast, osmolarity, the measurement of osmoles per liter of solution, rather than kilogram, is both similar and different to osmolality. Osmolarity depends solely on the total number of particles present, regardless of type, which makes it easier to calculate. However, it is typically less reliable than osmolality.

This is because the solution’s volume changes as solute is added and temperature and pressure change, making the total weight more difficult to discern. With osmolality, the amount of solvent will remain constant despite temperature and pressure, allowing for easier measurement.

Understanding the differences between osmolarity and osmolality is important in regards to osmometry.

Osmometry techniques vary based on their method of measurement, and the instrument’s functionality is affected by this as well. There are two important types of osmometry methods used today, which include freezing-point depression osmometry and vapor-pressure osmometry.

Osmometry is a precise and effective way to measure the osmotic attributes of an aqueous solution. This technique can be used for patient health management, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and quality control and analysis.

It’s easy to see that osmometers are versatile instruments, and provide life science research labs and clinical laboratories the tools needed to conduct accurate osmolality and osmolarity testing.

Although purchasing equipment outright can be difficult, there are other financing options available. We offer a comprehensive lease program that is sure to help you in many different ways, making acquiring that piece of laboratory equipment much easier.

Whatever you’re interested in, whether it’s Advanced Instruments model, a KNAUER, or a Precision Systems model, we can lease you exactly what you’re interested in. Request a lease estimate today or simply contact us to learn more.

Operating Lease

This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional cash savings.

Sale-Leaseback

If you recently purchased equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your instrument and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up cash in your budget rather than tying it down to the instrument.