A multicenter evaluation of the Boehringer Mannheim/Hitachi 717 system

Analytical performance of the Boehringer Mannheim/Hitachi 717 system was evaluated in a multicenter study involving seven different laboratories. Fifty-five methods including end point chemistries, enzymes, ISE, TDM, DAU, and specific protein assays were assessed over a 7 month period. Methods on the analyzer exhibited excellent precision with CVs less than 2% for within run precision, and CVs less than 3% for between day precision for most analytes; linearity, which met or exceeded manufacturer's claims; minimal sample and reagent carryover, and no significant interference from hemolysis; icterus; and lipemia. Recovery of the assigned value for 10 analytes in SRM 909 was acceptable. Comparison of methods with other BM/Hitachi analyzers resulted in slopes close to unity (0.93-1.06); comparison to other clinical chemistry analyzers yielded slopes of 0.88-1.07. Excellent performance and diverse method applications make the BM/Hitachi 717 analyzer a suitable instrument for work station consolidation.