Evaluation of a newly available biochemical analyzer: the Olympus AU 600

The performance of the Olympus AU 600, a newly available open multiparametr ic analyzer, available for routine biochemical analysis of biological sampl es, was evaluated. The analytical and technical performance of the apparatu s and the quality of the Olympus reagents were both examined in a single si te study. Electrolyte concentrations were determined with patented ion-sele ctive electrodes; substrate concentrations and enzyme activities were deter mined by spectrophotometric measurement after coloured reaction or UV detec tion-based-reactions. The protocol of the evaluation and the acceptability criteria were those recommended by the French Society for Clinical Biology. For the parameters studied, the upper limits of linearity were equal to or higher than those claimed by the manufacturer. The CV values for within-ru n and between-run precision were lower than the target values with few exce ptions. The comparison study gave satisfactory results for most of the para meters. Only expected interferences occurred. In summary, the results obtai ned for the 25 parameters studied and the characteristics of the apparatus were satisfactory. The analyzer is rapid (800 to 1200 tests per hour) and e asy to use. In addition, the analyzer complies with good analytical practic e and its flexibility enables users to plan work according to local laborat ory constraints.