[Evaluation of the automated coagulation analyzer Sysmex(®) CS-2100i (Siemens)]

The Sysmex(®) CS-2100i is a fully automated multiparameter hemostasis analyzer equipped with a photo-optical clot detection unit, a cap-piercing system and a pre-analytical check screens for interfering substances such as bilirubin, lipids and haemolysis (HIL system). It is designed to perform coagulation tests as well as chromogenic and immunologic assays. The aim of the present study was to evaluate its performance. The tests performed were routine coagulation (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, factor VIII and factor V), chromogenic (antithrombin) and immunologic assays (D-Dimer). The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were below 5% for most parameters both in the normal and in the pathological range (exceptions: intra-assay CV = 5.65% for the fibrinogen in the low range of concentrations; and inter-assay CV = 6% for clotting factor). The measured lower limits of linearity for factor VIII and factor V were satisfactory. No sample or reagent carryover was detected in the conditions of the study. Our results demonstrated that using the CS-2100i analyzer, routine coagulation testing can be performed with satisfactory precision.