A comparison of three desktop chemistry analyzers for the pediatric practice

Three desktop chemistry analyzers most frequently utilized in physicians' offices are compared for performance and precision: the DT60 (Kodak), Vision (Abbott), and Reflotron (Boehringer-Mannheim). The manufacturers' instructions were followed for all the reagents, calibrators and controls provided with each analyzer used. Precision, stability, dynamic range, interferences, and comparison of analyses of 50-100 patient samples with standard laboratory instruments were evaluated. Within-run precision on all three instruments was acceptable, the coefficient of variation (% CV) ranging from 0.8-5.4% and run-to-run precision CV of 1.1-7.3%. Within-run precision for glucose, blood urea, nitrogen, cholesterol and sodium for an experienced technologist, a clerk without any laboratory experience and a physician with no recent laboratory training were compared: the total CV varied between 1.1 and 6.3%. There are differences in the way bilirubin and hemoglobin interfere with the chemistries on the analyzers. Instrument size, available analyses, reagent cost and ease of operation were also assessed. The data suggest that all three analyzers performed well and would be suitable for the pediatric office setting.