METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINATION OF FATTY ACID MARKERS USING ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT

摘要

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining unbound (free) fatty acids and/or fatty acid binding capacity of albumin in case of acute organ/tissue ischemia, or in acute/chronic specific medical conditions associated with modified albumin by fatty acids, and diagnosing medical conditions associated with increased free fatty acids and/or reduced fatty acid binding capacity of albumin in samples, using electrical impedance measurement. The method includes specific electrolysis reaction, so-called anodic decarboxylation reaction or Kolbe's electrolysis, which takes place on the anode surface. The reaction occurs between two fatty acid anions carried out by the specific electrical current or potential. The method eventually includes condensation of two fatty acid anions in one long hydrocarbon molecule on the anode surface. Accumulation of many hydrocarbon chains creates an insulating layer on the anode surface; this in turn increases the electrical impedance between the electrodes. The impedance change reflects the level of free fatty acids and/or the fatty acid binding capacity of albumin that is increased or decreased in the ischemia and/or specific medical conditions. The invention also comprises an apparatus consisting of an "instrument" and "single-use kit".