Ektachem evaluation

The Eastman Kodak Ektachem 400 Analyzer was evaluated in terms of its precision, linearity, accuracy, and interferences for two colorimetric tests (neonatal bilirubin and albumin), a two point rate colorimetric test (amylase), and four potentiometric tests (sodium, potassium, chloride and carbon dioxide). The precision study results obtained were comparable to those of other laboratory instruments for five of the seven tests under consideration. The exceptions were carbon dioxide at the high range (30 mmol/L) and albumin at the low range (2 g/dl). Linearity checks were satisfactory for all seven tests but albumin, where a negative bias was observed in readings below 2 g/dl. Accuracy testing by comparison of patient results of the Ektachem technology and other laboratory methods was acceptable for all seven tests except albumin and amylase. Interference studies indicate that the Ektachem methodologies are less susceptible to elevated triglyceride and protein interference than comparable laboratory methods for sodium and potassium analysis. As a result of this evaluation (and other studies not presented here), the Ektachem 400 Analyzer was implemented in this laboratory for all tests except amylase, albumin and creatinine, i.e., glucose, urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, calcium, uric acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, ammonia, and neonatal bilirubin were acceptable