New method to assess dilution of secretions for immunological and microbiological assays.

Accurate quantitation of pathogens and antibody concentrations in secretions has been difficult because of unpredictable dilution of secretion with th diluent at the time of sample collection. We added an inert substance, lithium chloride (LiCl), to the sample diluent and measured its concentration with an atomic absorption spectrometer before and after the specimen was added. LiCl, at a concentration of 2 mmol of Li per liter, has no negative effect on the survival of common respiratory pathogens or on the results of immunoassays. The method is applicable to any sample collecting in which dilution of the specimen is necessary.