Comparison of the Seralyzer and EMIT systems for determination of theophylline concentrations

A reflectance photometry assay for measurement of serum theophylline concentration was evaluated by comparison with an enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT). The concentration of theophylline in blood samples obtained from patients receiving intravenous theophylline therapy in the pediatric intensive-care unit was measured by both the Seralyzer and the EMIT systems. The interday and intraday variability of each method were also determined by means of calibrators of known concentration (5 to 40 micrograms/mL). There was significant correlation between the serum theophylline concentrations determined by the Seralyzer system and the EMIT system. The overall standard error of the estimate was 2.3 micrograms/mL, but with operator experience this improved to 1.3 micrograms/mL. Intraday variability was 1.2 micrograms/mL for the Seralyzer and 0.7 micrograms/mL for EMIT; the respective values for interday variability were 1.4 micrograms/mL and 0.8 micrograms/mL. The Seralyzer method measures theophylline concentrations with reliability, convenience, and speed. It could be potentially useful in a satellite, clinic, or acute-care pharmacy area.