Comparative studies of a new commercial kit for the estimation of vitamin B12 in serum.
A commercial kit method (Technia Diagnostics) for the estimation of serum vitamin B12 claiming certain practical advantages was examined. Analytical and clinical performance were compared with a non-commercial radioisotope B12 method, previously compared to other commercial radioisotope B12 methods. The kit's analytical performance in our hands was satisfactory, although the within-batch precision and recovery of added cyanocobalamin were disappointing. Clinical performance was comparable with the non-commercial B12 method. Establishment of suitable reference ranges as a prerequisite to diagnostic use is apparent.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011869:Radioligand Assay / Q000379:methods; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012016:Reference Values; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D014805:Vitamin B 12