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Refractometers > Precautions in Measurement  (Aquafauna Bio-Marine Refractometers)

Both the Automatic Compensating instrument and Non-Compensating instrument will react to changes in ambient temperature. Therefore, giving one's body temperature unwittingly to the refractometer (ie: warm hands) may result in faulty readings (this is true moreso the Temperature Compensated model than the Non-Compensated model). When
handling the instrument, care must be directed to the following points.

1	Release hold of the instrument when not in use for measurement.  A warm hand can activate a faulty temperature compensation (Compensated units) or cause a variation in a 20 deg C calibration (non-compensating units).
2	Do not hold the instrument by its plastic encasement surrounding the prism (prism head). Hold only the anti-slip rubber grip area.
3	When subjecting refractometer to ambient temperature changes, be sure to re-check calibration. The more extreme the change in temperature, the longer you should let unit sit in the new temperature before re-calibrating.   Then follow procedure as described above for calibration.
4	If measuring different types of samples, be sure to clean prism with distilled water before taking next sample so any residue from previous sample will not influence the reading of the new sample. (Note: ALWAYS clean prism with distilled water and wipe dry when you are done using instrument).