Osmometer

Osmometer

Osmolality is a pharmacopeia-mandated test for injectable and biologics formulations, where mismatched osmotic pressure can affect patient safety and product stability. Our HY-4000 Freezing-Point Osmometer measures osmotic concentration with high precision and stability.

Key Features

  • Freezing-point depression method for precise osmolality measurement
  • Compliant with current Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) standards and GB4793.1-2007 safety requirements

Applications

  • Injectable and biologics formulation osmolality testing
  • Pharmaceutical, biomedical, and academic/research applications

Explore the full lineup below to find the right solution for your lab. For quotation or technical support, contact our team.

How to choose a freezing-point osmometer

An osmometer measures the osmolality (osmotic concentration) of a solution. The HY-4000 from Huanghai Pharmaceutical Instruments (Shanghai, since 1978) uses freezing-point depression, the method specified in ChP 0632, USP <785> and Ph. Eur. 2.2.35. It covers 0–4,000 mOsm/kg from a 0.5 ml sample in about 3 minutes per test, and its semiconductor cooling needs no external cooling water. It was co-developed with leading Chinese medical universities and research institutes.

Model comparison

Version Range and resolution Sample and test time Probe and printing Suited to
HY-4000 standard 0–4,000 mOsm/kg, 0.1 mOsm/kg 0.5 ml, about 3 min Automatic probe lift, built-in printer Routine QC with printed records at the instrument
HY-4000 simplified 0–4,000 mOsm/kg, 0.1 mOsm/kg 0.5 ml, about 3 min Manual probe lift, no built-in printer Teaching and research labs

How to choose

  • Range: 0–4,000 mOsm/kg covers isotonic formulations (around 300 mOsm/kg) as well as concentrated solutions.
  • Accuracy: basic error ±3 mOsm/kg up to 300 mOsm/kg and ±1.0% above 300 mOsm/kg; repeatability (cross-contamination) ≤1%.
  • Utilities and space: semiconductor cooling, so no chiller or cooling-water connection; 480 × 350 × 300 mm, 15 kg, 220 V / 50 Hz.
  • Records: choose the standard version if you want results printed directly at the instrument. The 4.3-inch colour screen shows measurement status and key data in real time.

Pharmacopoeia and compliance

HY-4000 uses freezing-point depression, the method of ChP 0632, USP <785>, Ph. Eur. 2.2.35 and BP Appendix V N (harmonised through the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group). Electrical safety follows GB4793.1-2007 and the YY0648-2008 requirements for in-vitro diagnostic equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What does an osmometer measure?
Osmolality: the concentration of osmotically active particles per kilogram of solvent, in mOsm/kg. It is a pharmacopoeial test for injections, infusions and other solutions, and is also used in biologics development and research.

Which method does the HY-4000 use?
Freezing-point depression, the method specified in ChP 0632, USP <785> and Ph. Eur. 2.2.35. The instrument determines the freezing point of the sample and converts it to osmolality.

How much sample is needed and how long does a test take?
0.5 ml per test and about 3 minutes, with 0.1 mOsm/kg resolution over 0–4,000 mOsm/kg.

Does the HY-4000 need cooling water?
No. It uses a semiconductor (thermoelectric) cooling system, so no external chiller or cooling water is required.

What is the difference between the standard and simplified versions?
The standard version has automatic probe lift and a built-in printer; the simplified version has manual probe lift and no built-in printer. Range, sample volume and test time are the same.

Related guides: Freezing-point osmometer guide · HY-4000 standard vs simplified · Osmolality testing for injectables and biologics

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