Attenuated total reflection mid-infrared spectroscopy for clinical chemistry applications using silver halide fibers

The quantitative analysis of biotic fluids can be carried out using attenuated total reflection mid-infrared spectroscopy based on silver halide fibers, because good optical throughput can be achieved especially in the fingerprint region of the mid-infrared spectral range. The advantages and prospects of this technique using biofluids or dry films, obtained from such aqueous solutions, are discussed in the context of developing routine assay methodology for the analysis of biofluids submitted to the clinical laboratory for analysis. Accessories developed from such fibers are simple and less expensive than conventional equipment using classical infrared waveguides. Examples are also given for fiber application in gas analysis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.