Accuracy in Immunoassay Testing

Immunoassays help measure and detect an analyte that cannot be determined in other tests. The common uses of these tests include measurement of drugs, hormones, specific proteins, tumor markers and markers of cardiac injury. Antigens on infectious agents and antibodies produced by the body to fight them are detected by qualitative immunoassays.

Though highly sensitive and specific, immunoassays can report false positive and negative results. The presence of endogenous antibodies in the blood or urine can interfere with immunoassays and give false-positives. Improper sample storage or treatment, reagent corrosion, or incorrect washing techniques can result in false negative results.

Patient safety can be compromised because of these interferences. False results may lead to unnecessary clinical investigation and treatment which is inappropriate. To avoid these unfavorable clinical consequences, it is important that lab personnel and physicians recognize the possibilities of interference in immunoassays and have measures in place to identify them wherever possible.

Having a proper immunoassay system would go a long way in enhancing lab productivity, improving patient health and reducing healthcare costs. For instance, the UniCel DxI 800 from Beckman Coulter comes with many features designed to guarantee consistent patient results. In addition to its exceptional throughput and processing of up to 400 tests per hour, the UniCel DxI 800 offers proven chemiluminescent technology, improved performance across a wide range of assay conditions, streamlined sample handling, and load "on-the-fly"� capability to simplify and automate immunoassay testing. Its onboard capacity of 50 refrigerated reagent packs allows labs to configure the system to match their testing requirements. The ready-to-use reagents also simplify reagent management.

Leading laboratory equipment stores offer the innovative UniCel DxI 800 at a price much lower than the original price.