A multicentre european evaluation of the Kodak EKTACHEM GLU/BUN analyzer using NCCLS guidelines and other approaches.

This paper describes the field performance of the Kodak EKTACHEM GLU/BUN Analyzer for glucose and urea. NCCLS protocols PSEP-2, 3 an 4 were used which enable manufacturers to establish performance claims concerning the precision and accuracy of an analytical system. This multicentre trial used four analysers in four European countries, United Kingdom, France, West Germany and Italy to assess within and between laboratory performances. Freeze dried control materials were used for the performance check experiment PSEP-2 and for the replication experiment PSEP-3. The replication study, although very time consuming, was straight forward to undertake and the results were comparable between centres. Compliance with the protocol for comparison of methods experiment PSEP-4 in which laboratories used their own hospital patient samples was more difficult. The problems with obtaining suitable samples and the performance of comparative methods are discussed in detail.

Neonatal screening for 21-hydroxylase deficiency: a microfilter paper method for 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone assay.

A micromethod for measuring 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in blood collected on filter paper has been developed. Our method is rapid, easy and has the specificity, accuracy and precision of the radioimmunoassay in whole blood. The method has been applied for screening patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Fifty samples collected on filter paper were assayed by our method, using 125I as tracer, and results were compared with those obtained for the same samples using a tritium tracer. The agreement between the two methods was particularly good in the area ranging from 15 to 100 pg/disc. In one neonate the diagnosis of CAH was made utilizing the microfilter paper method. Our method is a promising screening test for CAH. An indication of the advantages or disadvantages of this type of screening will become available when an adequate number of infants has been examined.

[Critical analysis of the radioimmunological methods of determining creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), myoglobin (MG) and of LDH (H4) in ischemic cardiopathy]. / Analisi critica delle metodiche radioimmunologiche per la determinazione della CK-MB, della MG e della LDH (H4) nelle cardiopatie ischemiche.

We have studied 135 subjects of whom 100 were normal individuals; 10 with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI); 10 with angina pectoris; 10 undergoing cardiac catheterism; 5 who underwent open heart surgery. To verify the radioimmunoassay usefulness of CPK cardiac isoenzyme (CK-RIA), of lactate dehydrogenase [LDH (H4)], of myoglobin (MG) in the diagnosis of ischemic disease, we have determined for serum samples: LDH (H4) by radioimmunoassay and HBDH by biochemical assay; CK by biochemical assay; CK-MB by biochemical and radioimmunological assay; MG by radioimmunoassay. The results indicate MG as a sensitive marker for the diagnosis of AMI. In fact serial serum determinations in patients with AMI showed myoglobin levels in 60% of the cases within 1 h after the onset of pain. The CK-RIA is the most sensitive test to evaluate infarct size and LDH (H4) conditioned by the amount of intracellular lactate is an useful test to evaluate myocardial anoxia.

[A Study of the enzymes of the alkaline phosphatase in commercial sera (author's transl)]. / Studio degli enzimi della fosfatasi alcalina nei sieri di riferimento del commercio.

We have examined alkaline phosphatase in five commercial sera employing three analyzers. Alkaline phosphatase in three samples is underestimated or overestimated according to the analyzers used. Therefore we have studied the isoenzymatic fractions employing the fractionation of alkaline phosphatase on celluloseacetate. Alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes have physical and biochemical marks different from human sera. In human sera on the contrary have not noticed any difference according to the analyser used.