Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Cont'd
 

How do I calibrate the Periotron using PerioCol Paper?
1. A blank PerioCol strip is placed between the sensors of the Periotron fluid meter, and the zeroing dial on the face of the instrument is adjusted until "zeros" (00) appear on the display. This blank strip is then removed from between the sensors and discarded.

2. Using a microliter syringe which can accurately deliver 0.1 to 1.0 ml of fluid, the readings on the meter are related to the volume in ml as follows:
 

3. The syringe is filled to capacity (1.0-5.0 ml, depending on the model of syringe selected) with the test fluid (distilled water, saliva or serum; the results are basically the same) making sure that the loaded syringe contains no air bubbles.  The plunger is carefully depressed in the barrel to deliver 0.25 ml which appears as a minute droplet at the end of the syringe tip.  Without delay, the end of a PerioCol strip is carefully brought into contact with the droplet of test fluid which is immediately absorbed onto the PerioCol strip.  Again without delay, the strip is placed between the Periotron sensors, and the score is automatically recorded.  This procedure is repeated three (3) more times with this volume (0.25 ml), and the average score is recorded.
 

4. The procedure is repeated with each of the following (or similar) known volumes: 0.5, 1.0 and 1.25 ml, and the Periotron Score at each volume is again recorded.
 

5. The Periotron computer program computes a standard curve relating the volume of fluid (ml) on the "x" axis to the Periotron Score on the "y" axis (Click here to see article on standard curve).
 

6. A strip containing an unknown volume of fluid (e.g. GCF) is then placed between the sensors, the Periotron Score is automatically recorded, and the volume of fluid is determined by interpolation from the standard curve. Values obtained are converted to volumes in ml by Periotron Professional.