Patent ID: 6489774
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for analyzing ionic species present in a sample, comprised of:(a) providing a miniaturized ion analysis system for sample preparation and analysis comprising; a microfabricated support body having first and second substantially planar opposing surfaces wherein the support body has a microchannel microfabricated in the first planar surface, a cover plate arranged over the first planar surface, wherein the cover plate in combination with the microchannel forms a sample flow compartment, an inlet port and an outlet port communicating with the sample flow compartment, wherein the inlet and outlet ports enable passage of fluid from an external source through the sample flow compartment, and a contactless conductivity detection (â€œCCDâ€ ) means in electrical communication with the sample flow compartment such that the detection means is capable of detecting the presence in the sample flow compartment of a fluid containing a detectable ionic species; (b) flushing the sample flow compartment with a leading electrolyte; (c) introducing a sample into the sample flow compartment such that the sample is in fluidic and ionic communication with the leading electrolyte; (d) introducing a terminating electrolyte into the sample flow compartment such that the sample is in fluidic and ionic communication with the terminating electrolyte; (e) stacking the ionic species present in the sample by applying a current across the leading and terminating electrolytes to provide stacked ionic species; (f) preseparating the stacked ionic species; and (g) detecting the presence in the sample flow compartment of the pre-separated stacked ionic species.