Nephelometry is the measurement of the amount of light scattered by suspended particles in a liquid. It is spelled as [nef-uh-lom-i-tree] where the first syllable, "nef", is pronounced with a short "e" sound. The second syllable, "uh", is pronounced with a schwa sound, while "lom" is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The third syllable, "i", is pronounced as a short "i" sound, and "tree" is pronounced with a long "e" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation of this scientific term.
Nephelometry is a laboratory technique used in clinical and biochemical analysis to measure the concentration of particles or molecules in a liquid sample based on the scattering of light by those particles. The word "nephelometry" is derived from the Greek word "nephele," meaning cloud, which metaphorically represents the dispersed or scattered particles in a liquid.
In nephelometry, a sample is mixed with a specific reagent that causes the particles of interest to aggregate or form complexes or clusters. A beam of light is then passed through the sample, and the scattered light is measured at various angles. The intensity of the scattered light is directly proportional to the concentration and size of the particles in the sample. This information is used to determine the concentration of specific molecules, such as proteins or antibodies, or the presence of specific substances, like antigens or immune complexes, in the sample.
Nephelometry is often used in the medical field to assess various disease markers, including inflammation, immune system disorders, and renal diseases. It provides precise and quantitative measurements, making it a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring diseases. Additionally, nephelometry is frequently used in pharmaceutical research to detect the presence and concentration of specific drugs or molecules in drug development and quality control processes.
Overall, nephelometry is an analytical method that utilizes the scattering of light to indirectly measure the concentration of particles or molecules in a liquid sample, enabling precise and quantitative analysis in various scientific and medical fields.
The determination of the degree of cloudiness or turbidity in a fluid, such as the urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "nephelometry" has its roots in Greek. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "nephelē" and "metron".
- "Nephelē" (νεφέλη) means "cloud" in Greek.
- "Metron" (μέτρον) means "measurement" in Greek.
Therefore, when combined, "nephelometry" can be understood as the measurement or analysis of clouds.