The word "purinometer" is spelled with the IPA transcription /pjʊ(ə)rɪˈnɒmɪtə/. The first syllable consists of the consonant cluster /pj/ which is a voiceless palatal stop followed by a semivowel. The second syllable contains the vowel /ʊ/, followed by the consonant /r/. The third syllable contains the vowel /ɪ/ and then the consonant cluster /nɒm/, which is a nasalized voiced velar stop and an open mid-back vowel. The final syllable consists of the consonant /t/ and the schwa sound /ə/.
A purinometer is a specialized device used to measure the concentration of purines in a particular substance, typically in biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue extracts. Purines are organic compounds that play a fundamental role in various biological processes, including DNA and RNA synthesis, energy production, and signaling pathways.
The purinometer is designed with specific sensors or electrodes that can detect and quantify the quantity of purines present in a given sample. These sensors employ various detection methods, such as electrochemical or spectrophotometric techniques, to accurately measure the purine concentration.
The measurements obtained from a purinometer are often expressed in specific units, such as milligrams per deciliter or micromoles per liter, depending on the desired measurement scale. This information can be vital in evaluating purine metabolism in individuals, helping to diagnose and manage diseases related to purine excess or deficiency, such as gout, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, or various metabolic disorders.
Furthermore, a purinometer may also be useful in monitoring the impact of drugs or dietary changes on purine metabolism or assessing the efficiency of specific therapeutic interventions. Its capability to provide accurate and quantitative data on purine levels contributes to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with purine metabolism and related health conditions.
A device for determining the amount of purine or xanthine bases in the urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.