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Measurement of C-reactive protein: two high sensitivity methods compared
Roberto Dominici1, Paola Luraschi, Carlo Franzini
1Laboratorio Analisi Chimico-Cliniche, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, Milano, Italy. chimica.clinica@hsacco.it
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis
|September 10, 2004
Summary
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) assays using nephelometry and turbidimetry show comparable reliability for predicting atherosclerotic risk. However, turbidimetry offers superior precision in hsCRP measurements compared to nephelometry.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Cardiovascular Diagnostics
- Biomarker Analysis
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key acute phase marker.
- Elevated CRP predicts atherosclerotic complications.
- High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) assays are crucial for accurate risk prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally compare two automated hsCRP assays: nephelometry and turbidimetry.
- To evaluate assay performance including linearity, imprecision, and turbidity interference.
- To compare method performance using an external quality assessment scheme.
Main Methods:
- Nephelometry and turbidimetry assays for hsCRP and CRP were implemented on automated analyzers.
- Assay characteristics like linearity and imprecision were assessed.
- Method comparison was conducted using 96 patient samples and an interlaboratory external quality assessment scheme.
Main Results:
- Both nephelometry and turbidimetry assays demonstrated comparable performance for CRP and hsCRP measurement.
- Turbidimetry exhibited better precision (CV% 1.8-2.3) than nephelometry (CV% 3.0-5.8) in hsCRP assays.
- Classification into risk categories showed an 18% discordance rate between the two methods, with differences limited to one class.
Conclusions:
- Automated nephelometric and turbidimetric methods are reliable and comparable for hsCRP measurement.
- Turbidimetry provides superior precision for hsCRP quantification.
- Further improvements in precision, particularly for nephelometry, are recommended for optimal clinical utility.