RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Prompt and accurate urine chemistry analysis is important to provide information for diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we evaluated the overall performance and utility of an automated chemistry analyser for urine chemistry testing in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. METHODS: From January 2015 to March 2015, we evaluated the precision, linearity, limits of detection, carryover, and turnaround times after automation of nine items: total protein, albumin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine, and uric acid. A Hitachi 7600-110 instrument (Hitachi Ltd., Japan) and Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager (Hitachi Ltd.) were used for automated chemistry analysis and sample preparation, respectively. RESULTS: Regarding precision, the coefficient of variation was 3.9% to 1.6% for high levels and 3.3% to 24.1% for low levels. The linearity and coefficients of determination of all the test items were acceptable. Performance comparison revealed that the two systems were comparable, as evidenced by correlation coefficients >0.975 for most items; moreover, carryover of all items was <1%. The mean turnaround time was 59 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Urine chemistry testing can be performed with acceptable precision, linearity, and performance by using the Hitachi 7600-110 automated chemistry analyser. The sample preparation system reduces turnaround time, which enhances the clinical utility of urine chemistry testing.