Method for concentration and for automated online detection of at least one biological target substance in a sample liquid, and concentrator unit

A method for the automated on-line detection of at least one biological target substance in a sample liquid using an on-line analyzer, comprising:

• generating concentrated sample liquid from at least a first initial volume of the sample liquid using the following method:
• metering and transporting a first initial volume of the sample liquid via a liquid supply line into a first concentrator chamber of a concentrator unit;
• and
• generating concentrated sample liquid by reducing the first initial volume of the sample liquid in the concentrator unit and associated concentration of the at least one biological target substance contained in the first volume of the sample liquid using a first amount of a superabsorber, wherein the reduction and associated concentration is carried out by incubating a mixture formed from the first initial volume of the sample liquid with the first amount of the superabsorber
• transporting at least a portion of the generated concentrated sample liquid from the concentrator unit into a detection unit of the on-line analyzer, and
• qualitative or quantitative determination of the target substance in the concentrated sample liquid and/or in the sample liquid before concentration using the detection unit and control electronics of the on-line analyzer.