A nephelometry system for the Abbott TDx analyzer

A self-contained light-scattering accessory carousel has been developed for the Abbott TDx fluorescence polarization analyzer, extending the instrument's capabilities to nephelometric methods of analysis, including assays for specific proteins by immunoprecipitation: IgG, IgA, IgM, and transferrin. The scattered light from a green-light-emitting diode (peak wavelength 565 nm) is measured at an angle of 37.5 degrees by the existing optical detection system of the TDx analyzer without modification of the instrument. Measurements are made at quasi-equilibrium, with sample blank correction. No sample pretreatment is required, and antigen-excess is checked automatically. CVs range from 3 to 6% (within-run) and 7 to 9%. (total). Calibration curves may be stored for at least two weeks. A nephelometric method for monitoring chromogenic reactions in the green wavelength region is also described. This method--Scattered Energy Attenuation (SEA)--has been used in preliminary experiments to measure calcium, total protein, iron, and bilirubin.