External evaluation of the Dimension Vista 1500® intelligent lab system

Dimension Vista® analyzer combines four technologies (photometry, nephelometry, V-LYTE® integrated multisensor potentiometry, and LOCI® chemiluminescence) into one high-throughput system.

We assessed analytical performance of assays routinely performed in our emergency laboratory according to the VALTEC protocol, and practicability.

Precision was good for most parameters. Analytical domain was large and suitable for undiluted analysis in most clinical settings encountered in our hospital. Data were comparable and correlated to our routine analyzers (Roche Modular DP®, Abbott AXSYM®, Siemens Dimension® RxL, and BN ProSpec®). Performance of nephelometric and LOCI modules was excellent. Functional sensitivity of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and cardiac troponin I were 0.165 mg/l and 0.03 ng/ml, respectively (coefficient of variation; CV < 10%). The influence of interfering substances (i.e., hemoglobin, bilirubin, or lipids) was moderate, and Dimension Vista® specifically alerted for interference according to HIL (hemolysis, icterus, lipemia) indices. Good instrument performance and full functionality (no reagent or sample carryover in the conditions evaluated, effective sample-volume detection, and clot detection) were confirmed. Simulated routine testing demonstrated excellent practicability, throughput, ease of use of software and security.

Performance and practicability of Dimension Vista® are highly suitable for both routine and emergency use. Since no volume detection and thus no warning is available on limited sample racks, pediatric samples require special caution to the Siemens protocol to be analyzed in secured conditions. Our experience in routine practice is also discussed, i.e., the impact of daily workload, "manual" steps resulting from dilutions and pediatric samples, maintenances, flex hydration on instrument's performance on throughput and turnaround time.