Evaluation and use of a dry chemistry analyser in Antarctica

The Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) currently operate scientific stations at four remote locations in Antarctica. Each of these stations requires an accurate, easy to use, and flexible biochemical analyser for clinical diagnosis and management. The Ektachem DT60, DTE and DTSC modules were selected and initially assessed during a wintering expedition at the ANARE station on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island and during an extended scientific voyage to Antarctica. In the initial field assessment, accuracy was assessed by measuring a range of analytes in samples from pathology interlaboratory quality assurance programs. In 90% of the samples tested, analyte recordings were within 2 standard deviations of the mean provided. Kodatrol controls were tested regularly to assess the calibration stability of the machine and to measure within-day and between-day imprecision. Blood was also taken monthly from all expeditioners, analysed, and immediate results of cholesterol and triglyceride compared with results from identical samples frozen and analysed later in Australia. Cholesterol and triglyceride were the analytes chosen as the results obtained could be used as part of a larger study concerning dietary fats and cardiovascular risk factors. Analysis of the results indicated that the Ektachem DT modules satisfied criteria of accuracy and precision. They were relatively economical to use. Maintenance and training were simple and appropriate to the conditions of use. As a result of this favourable assessment, Ektachem machines were obtained for all four of the Australian Antarctic stations and have been in use at those sites for the last six years. Comment is made on experience with these analysers during that time, including discussion of clinical cases in which the availability of such biochemistry has proved useful. Some of the problems encountered are also discussed. It is considered that use of these biochemical analysers has assisted the solo medical practitioner in the isolated Antarctic region.