Below are some Frequently Asked Questions, along with some Frequently Given Answers. If you have some questions about our products or services, please don't hesitate to fill out our Information Request Form.
Be sure to keep your eye on this page - we'll keep adding to it as questions arise.
1) Which Non-radioactive microsphere technique is best for me?
The answer depends on how many labels your experiment requires, and what equipment and personnel resources you have available. All non-radioactive microspheres, except BioPAL, require that the user learn to digest tissue, recover the microspheres and analyze the dye extracted from the microspheres. To do this accurately requires a commitment of time and resources.
The BioPALTM neutron activated microspheres offer many advantages to labs which are using microspheres for the first time, or those labs which require only a limited number of experiments be performened. Neutron-activated microspheres require the least amount of effort and equipment and allow the user to become productive immediately. After harvesting tissue samples, the BioPAL user simply wet-weighs the samples, places them in sealed tubes and sends the samples to the BioPAL laboratory for analysis. Using this method, the investigator can use up to 8 labels. Results are forwarded to the investigator about a week after the lab receives them.
The Dye-TrakŪ method is best suited for up to 5 labels and for those investigators who have access to a spectrophotometer (approximately $10K). Free matrix-inversion software is available from Triton.
The FluoSpheresŪ provide 8 labels, good sensitivity, and are analyzed by spectrofluorimetry ($30K). These spheres are manufactured by Molecular Probes under license from Triton Technology. Free FAC analysis software is available, contact Triton for details.
2) Can I freeze my tissue samples before processing them?
The short answer is no. If you are using spheres that are analyzed using a dye-extraction method (Dye-TrakŪ or FluoSpheresŪ), you risk the spheres cracking and the possibility of dyes leaching. If you must freeze your samples, we recommend using the NuFLOW™ spheres. These spheres are quantified by flow cytometry. This means the dye is never extracted from the spheres, and therefore, the likelihood of losing data is greatly reduced.
1) What sonomicrometer transducers should I use to measure skeletal and other muscle
dimensions?
The CY 5-2 cylindrical transducers transmit and receive ultrasound 360 degrees
perpendicular to their wire axes. This makes them ideally suited for situations where
alignment will change due to shape changes (i.e. respiratory diaphragm).
2) Will my System 6 Chassis and modules work with a computer data acquisition
system, rather than with a traditional strip-chart recorder?
Yes, the System 6 is compatible with CA Recorder, Spectrum, BioFlash and other data
acquisition systems.
3) Which modules work in the Twin-Pak and Expansion Chassis?
The Transit Time flowmeters (Models 206 & 257), Pressure Amplifiers (Models 204
& 205) and the Cardiotachometer (207). The Doppler Flowmeters and Sonomicrometer
modules only operate in the System 6 Mainframe Chassis (200).
4) Do I need a Millar Preamplifier if I wish to use a Millar catheter with a Triton
204 or 205 amplifier?
No, simply select the appropriate accessory cable (200-1930-M) and use directly. The
Triton amplifiers provide calibration voltages as well as excitation voltage.
5) Will the Triton Pressure Amplifiers work with extracorporeal transducers?
Yes, by using the appropriate accessory cable you can use virtually any bridge-type
pressure transducer on the market, i.e. P23.
6) How many uses can I expect from a Model 200-306 or 200-367 Transit Time flow
probe?
This probe was originally designed for single use, long-term chronic implantation.
With care, it can be used repeatedly in acute preparations. Once broken, these sealed
units are not repairable.
7) What Transducers are most appropriate for measuring blood vessel diameter
in-vivo?
The VD 5-2 sonomicrometer transducer pair can be sutured (order with patch) or
attached with cyanoacrylate (order with no patch) across vessels greater than 2 mm in
diameter. Alternatively, the Figure 1 low compliance spring-loaded clip can be used,
primarily in acute preparations.
8)I have a variety of outmoded measurement equipment and I need a new Transit Time
flowmeter but am concerned that these items will not synchronize properly. What should I
do?
Take advantage of the Triton Trade-in Program. With the purchase of your new
integrated instrumentation System, you will be credited for up to 50% of your purchase by
the trade-in of older Triton or other brand physiological instruments.
Copyright 1995 Triton Technology, Inc.
Updated Feb 12, 2000
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