EVALUATION OF CKMB ACTIVITY WITH EKTACHEM -500 AND EKTACHEM-700

The aim of this study was to compare the dry-chemistry CKMB Ektachem m ethod to a liquid immunoinhibition method (Merck/Cobas Bio Bio) and to the electrophoretic method (Helena France), both on patients (n = 95) and control (4 specimens from different commercial origin) sera. The Ektachem method was found linear in the range tested (7 to 97 U/l). Wi thin run imprecision tested with low, medium and high control ser-a M er e satisfying (CV 3-4%) as well as between run imprecision (CV < 10% ), for CKMB activities of at least 30 U/l. As compared to the liquid i mmunoinhibition method (Merck, the results of patient sera were very c lose but slightly lower (y = 0,97x-l; r = 0,74; y = Ektachem, x = Merc k). As compared to the electrophoretic method, the Kodak Ektachem meth od showed a specificity of 74% and a sensitivity of 85% (n = 95). A cl ose agreement (r = 0,73) between these two methods was obtained for sa mples with a total CK activity at least 3 times over the upper limit o f normal range. We therefore conclude that the Kodak Ektachem CKMB met hod allows a rapid and easy determination of CKMB activity for samples undergoing total CK activity 3 times over the upper limit of normal r ange. Like all liquid immunoinhibition methods, the Kodak Ektachem met hod shows some lack of specificity and does not show a better concorda nce with the electrophoretic method than does the Merck/Cobas Bio meth od.