Priming Outlet Tubing for CX Probes for in-vitro use
Purpose
This article gives guidance on how to properly prime CX probes for use in in-vitro set ups.
Solution
When priming the outlet tubing of a CX probe, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to get accurate data and prevent damage to the equipment.
Make sure that you prime the tubing at your experimental flow rate to prevent calculation errors in recovery rate (e.g. -1%, -2%). Priming with a flow rate different from the experimental flow will cause a gradient in concentrations and give an inaccurate RR.
For example, when priming with 3 µL/min flow rate then switching to 1 µL/min flow, the calculated RR will only apply to the volume recovered from the 3 µL/min flow rate. Compounds will not diffuse between the different segments where flow rates differ.