title: The EPOS Automated Selective Chemistry Analyzer evaluated.
abstract: We evaluated the analytical performance of the EPOS (Eppendorf Patient Oriented System) Automated Selective Chemistry Analyzer, using the following tests for serum analytes: alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and glucose. Results from the EPOS correlated well with those from comparison instruments (r greater than or equal to 0.990). Precision and linearity limits were excellent for all tests; linearity of the optical and pipetting systems was satisfactory. Reagent carryover was negligible. Sample-to-sample carryover was less than 1% for all tests, but only lactate dehydrogenase was less than the manufacturer's specified 0.5%. Volumes aspirated and dispensed by the sample and reagent II pipetting systems differed significantly from preset values, especially at lower settings; the reagent I system was satisfactory at all volumes tested. Minimal daily maintenance and an external data-reduction system make the EPOS a practical alternative to other bench-top chemistry analyzers.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001322:Autoanalysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D004798:Enzymes / Q000097:blood; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D013053:Spectrophotometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D004798:Enzymes