Use of a programmable calculator in processing and interpreting serum cholinesterase phenotypes

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Chemistry
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Cholinesterase phenotyping is crucial for understanding enzyme variations.
• Traditional methods involve specific substrates and inhibitors at controlled temperatures.
• Accurate phenotyping aids in clinical diagnostics and genetic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computer-based diagnostic program for cholinesterase phenotyping.
• To automate the processing and interpretation of cholinesterase phenotypes.
• To compare the accuracy and efficiency of the programmed method against traditional procedures.

Main Methods:

• Cholinesterase phenotyping was performed using benzoylcholine as a substrate.
• Dibucaine, fluoride, chloride, and succinyldicholine were used as inhibitors at 25°C.
• A diagnostic program in modified BASIC language was developed for data processing and interpretation.
• The HP 9830A calculator was utilized for program execution.

Main Results:

• The programmed system demonstrated complete agreement with traditional reporting methods for 296 patients.
• The diagnostic program accurately processed and interpreted cholinesterase phenotypes.
• The programmed system required nine repeat analyses more than the traditional method due to specific inhibitor limits.

Conclusions:

• The developed BASIC program provides a reliable and accurate method for cholinesterase phenotyping.
• Automated interpretation minimizes discrepancies and ensures consistent phenotyping results.
• Programmed limits, particularly for fluoride and succinyldicholine inhibitors, enhance diagnostic precision for specific phenotypes.