title: Analytical performance and workflow evaluation of the Roche E170 modular immunoassay analyzer in a pediatric setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the analytical performance of the Roche E170 modular analytics immunoassay analyzer and assess its impact on workflow efficiency and ability to consolidate workstations in a pediatric setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analytical performance of eleven common immunoassays was assessed. Total imprecision was determined using Roche PreciControl Universal controls, Bio-Rad Lyphochek Immuno Plus, Anemia controls, and a human serum pool. Method comparison was performed with approximately 100 patient specimens. High dose hook effect, sample carryover, and results comparison between the two measuring channels were evaluated. For the workflow study, the time required for sample and reagent handling, instrument preparation, and hands-on time were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Correlation coefficients with existing methods ranged from 0.941 to 0.999. Biases of -19% to 70% were observed. Total imprecision ranged from 1.1 to 7.6%. No sample carryovers were encountered. Results from both measuring channels were comparable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  E170 is suitable for use in a pediatric setting. The analytical performance is acceptable and gives equivalent results to our existing systems. The precision is comparable and acceptable. Some improvement in efficiency, workflow, cost saving, and consolidation of workstations is possible. Significant workflow improvements can only be realized when integrated with the chemistry modules.
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Biochemistry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8.
authors.forename: Betty
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.forename: Roy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Augustin
authors.forename: Man Khun
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leblond
authors.forename: Zulfikarali
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Verjee
authors.forename: Khosrow
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Adeli
mesh_terms: D001322:Autoanalysis / Q000295:instrumentation; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D007753:Laboratories / Q000458:organization & administration; D010372:Pediatrics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016526:Workload