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Determination of fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration by radial immunodiffusion: two systems compared
C M Wilson1, K McGilligan, D W Thomas
1Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Insights
This study compared two radial immunodiffusion systems for measuring fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin (FA1AT). Both systems effectively measured FA1AT, though the Calbiochem system yielded higher values than the Helena system.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin (FA1AT) is a marker for protein-losing enteropathy.
- Accurate measurement of FA1AT is crucial for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of Helena "QUIPlates" and Calbiochem "LC-Partigen" radial immunodiffusion systems for measuring fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin (FA1AT).
- To establish reference ranges for FA1AT in different age groups and dietary conditions.
Main Methods:
- Radial immunodiffusion assays were performed using both Helena "QUIPlates" and Calbiochem "LC-Partigen" systems.
- Fecal samples from infants, children, and adults were analyzed.
- Sample handling variations (storage, freeze-thaw, lyophilization) were investigated.
Main Results:
- Calbiochem LC-Partigen system yielded FA1AT values approximately 30% higher than Helena QUIPlates.
- Both systems successfully differentiated between normal and elevated FA1AT concentrations.
- Sample storage conditions (room temperature, freeze-thaw, frozen storage) did not significantly impact FA1AT measurements.
- Lyophilized and non-lyophilized samples showed poor correlation.
Conclusions:
- Both Helena "QUIPlates" and Calbiochem "LC-Partigen" are suitable for measuring fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin (FA1AT).
- Reference ranges should be established for each system due to observed differences in values.
- Standard sample handling procedures are reliable, but lyophilization may affect results.
Abstract:
We compared Helena "QUIPlates" and Calbiochem "LC-Partigen" radial immunodiffusion systems for their ability to measure fecal concentrations of alpha 1-antitrypsin (FA1AT). Reference ranges for FA1AT concentrations in infants receiving various diets, in children, and in adults are given for each system. FA1AT values obtained with Calbiochem LC-Partigen plates averaged 30% greater than those obtained with Helena QUIPlates, but both systems distinguished between normal and high values. Studies involving variations of usual sample-handling procedures showed that storage at room temperature, repeated freezing and thawing, and long-term storage of frozen samples had no significant effect on measured FA1AT concentration. However, values obtained for lyophilized and nonlyophilized samples did not correlate well.