Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Cont'd
 

How do I calibrate the Periotron using SialoPaper?
1. A blank SialoPaper 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 1.0 ul quantities of fluid and less, the readings on the meter are related to the volume in ul as follows:
 

3. The syringe is filled to capacity (1.0-5.0 ul, depending on the model of syringe selected) with the test fluid (distilled water, saliva or serum), making sure that the loaded syringe contains no air bubbles. The plunger is carefully depressed in the barrel to deliver a fixed volume, such as 0.35 ul, which appears as a minute droplet at the end of the syringe tip. Without delay, the flat surface of the SialoPaper strip is carefully brought into contact with the droplet of test fluid. This procedure is repeated carefully and rapidly with additional fluid from the syringe until a total of 1 ul of test fluid has been accurately delivered to 3 separate areas on the SialoPaper strip. The strip is then placed between the Periotron sensors so that the entire circular portion of the SialoPaper covers the lower sensor of the Periotron instument. The Periotron Score on the digital readout is recorded. This procedure is repeated three (3) more times with this volume (1.00 ul), and the average score is recorded.
 

4. The procedure is repeated with each of the following (or similar) known volumes: 0.5, 2.0 and 3.0 ul, and the Periotron Score at each volume is again recorded.
 

5. The Periotron computer program computes a standard curve relating the volume of fluid (ul) 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 saliva is sampled from the mouth, either from a minor salivary gland or glands, duct opening of a major salivary gland, or oral soft or hard tissue surface. It is then placed between the sensors. The Periotron Score is recorded, and the volume of fluid is determined by interpolation from the standard curve. Values obtained are converted to volumes in ul by Periotron Professional.