EMIT theophylline assay at reduced cost.
An experiment was designed to determine if a new EMIT theophylline method that reduces reagent costs can maintain the standard EMIT method's high degree of accuracy and precision. Eight known theophylline concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 75 micrograms/ml were analyzed by both methods. Two hundred five assays were performed on study patients using the new method. During 4 months of clinical service, 51 assays, ranging from 0 to 51 micrograms/ml, were performed by the standard method, and during the following 12 months 213 clinical service assays, ranging from 0 to 35.6 micrograms/ml, were performed by the new method. A strong correlation (r = 0.997) was demonstrated between the new and standard EMIT methods. Both methods had similar variance and curve stability. A 56% reduction in reagent expenses was realized with the new method over a 12-month period.
D000328:Adult; D003363:Cost Control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000191:economics; D013806:Theophylline / Q000097:blood*
D013806:Theophylline