RESUMO
The Organon Teknika-General Diagnostics Coag A Mate X2 (CAM X2), Ortho Koagulab 40A, MLA Electra 700 (E 700), were simultaneously evaluated following the same protocol, on the same samples. Compared with the former photo-optical-based automated devices, these newer advanced instruments present a high throughput in fibrin endpoint detection, permitting fibrinogen determination with reliable results; they also present a higher degree of automatism, greater flexibility in use and easy mastering, allied to elaborated expression of results. Statistical comparison shows equivalent performance characteristics. Repetabilities are excellent for Prothrombin Time (CV: 1-2.5%) with 5 thromboplastins and for the prothrombin complex factors assays: they are also good for Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) with 4 reagents (CV: 0.5 to 3%) provided that kaolin be not used on the KLO and E700; the same limitation exists for specific factors assays. Fibrinogen assays display good results (CV: 3-4% and 6-8%) respectively for times of 11 sec. (/=/ 2.4 g/l) and 23 sec. (/=/ 1 g/l). Standard linearities are generally excellent whatever the test. The correlation with results obtained on other devices is good (0.96 less than R less than 1). The most fully automated is the KLO with reliable system of sample delivery, automatic calibration and quality control function. The E700 is the slowest instrument, especially for APTT and the least adapted to large homogenous series, but its original loading system with binary coded cuvettes makes it interesting for emergencies and mixed tests. Controls and adjustments of the pumptubing are particularly required on the CAM X2 which is, on the other hand, the quickest instrument with its 4 photo-optical cells, well adapted to handling a large series of samples.
