What instrument is used to measure total solids during a PCV/TS procedure?

The refractometer is the correct instrument used to measure total solids during a Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Total Solids (TS) procedure. Refractometers function by measuring the refractive index of a solution, which changes based on the concentration of solids within the liquid. This makes them particularly useful for assessing total protein levels in plasma or serum, allowing for an estimation of the total solids content.

Hydrometers are used to measure the density of liquids and are not suitable for measuring the concentration of solids in a biological sample. Spectrophotometers measure the absorbance or transmission of light through a sample and are typically used for evaluating specific components or the concentration of solutions rather than total solids. Centrifuges are used to separate components of a mixture based on density but do not provide a direct measurement of total solids in a sample. Therefore, the use of a refractometer is the most appropriate method for determining total solids during this specific procedure.