Rapid, semi-quantitative assay of C-reactive protein evaluated.
We evaluated a new rapid semi-quantitative immunometric assay of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a screening test for sepsis by comparison with an automated nephelometric method. Plasma samples (n = 101) from preterm infants during the first week of life were saved for CRP analyses. We measured CRP by the Nycocard semiquantitative method and compared the results with those obtained with a Behring Nephelometer. A CRP value less than 10 mg/L was considered to be negative for infection. All CRP results read as less than 10 mg/L (negative) by the Nycocard method were also less than 10 mg/L by the comparison method, and all CRP values found to be greater than 20 mg/L (positive) by the Nycocard method were also positive by the comparison method. Results in the 10-20 mg/L range were considered equivocal. We conclude that the Nycocard CRP semi-quantitative method is a rapid and useful screening test for sepsis in preterm infants.
Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Vallance
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Lockitch
D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*
D002097:C-Reactive Protein