Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a handheld device that can be used to perform a screening or diagnostic test. The handheld device can include a disposable microsampler unit, an analysis unit, a controller unit, and an output unit. The disposable microsampler unit can collect 10 microliters or less of a sample. The analysis unit can include two electrodes that can apply alternating periods of coulometry and potentiometry to the sample to determine a total content of a target chemical in the sample. During the coulometry period, the two electrodes are a working electrode and a counter electrode, and during the potentiometry period the two electrodes are an indicator electrode and a reference electrode. The controller unit can control the sequence of coulometry and potentiometry. The output unit can display the total content of the target chemical in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step process useful in the chemical analysis for atomising electrolyte solutions or fluids with electric conductivity, and a multielement direct analysis method of the components of such fluids, which is also operable in a monitoring mode. In this analysis method, the one-step atomisation of the fluid is followed by optical and/or mass spectroscopy determination of the sample components. The atomisation process is characterised by generating an electric discharge of 1000 to 5000 V/cm on the surface of said electrolyte between the fluid as cathode and the anode positioned in the gas atmosphere above the said fluid.