A direct, automated, immuno-turbidimetric assay of free protein S antigen in plasma

A new, fully automated, one-step, immuno-turbidimetric assay of free protein S (fPS) in plasma (STA Liatest Free Protein S; Diagnostica Stago, Asnières, France) has been developed for STA analysers. This technique combines the advantages of a direct assay of fPS using two monoclonal antibodies, which specifically recognize fPS but not protein S (PS)-C4b-binding protein complexes, and the advantages of automation. The assay has good analytical performances, with intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients below 5% for normal values, and slightly higher for abnormal values. In a comparison study with a one-step enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for fPS (Asserachrom Free Protein S; Diagnostica Stago), a correlation coefficient of 0.93 with a regression line close to 1 was found between the two techniques (n = 166 normal or PS-deficient plasma samples collected from healthy subjects and individuals with a personal or family history of thrombosis). This new technique is specific, reproducible, easy to perform, and provides a useful tool in the diagnosis of PS deficiency.