Parallel evaluation of Astra 8 and Astra 4 multichannel analyzers in two hospital laboratories

We evaluated the new Beckman multichannel analyzers Astra 8 and Astra 4. Both instruments performed the following tests: Na, K, Cl, CO2, urea, glucose, and creatinine in plasma and Na, K, Cl, and creatinine determinations in urine. We tested precision, accuracy, and linearity at the usual concentrations in plasma and urine. We compared the Astra 8 and Astra 4 with continuous-flow (SMA 6) and discrete analyzers such as IL 243, Beckman KLiNa Flame, Beckman System 1, Corning 920 M Chloride Meter, and the Corning Blood-Gas Analyzer 175. Special tests were performed on plasma-to-plasma and urine-to-plasma carryover. Both analyzers are easy to operate and suitable for both emergency and routine use.