title: Serum free light chains; the need to establish local reference intervals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to compare The Binding Site serum free light chain assay on two analytical platforms; the Dade Behring BNII and the Olympus AU400. Reference intervals were subsequently established on each analyser.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 112 serum samples routinely submitted to the laboratory for protein electrophoresis were used for the comparison study. Reference interval data was generated from 126 ostensibly healthy anonymous individuals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum free light chain results on the BNII and AU400 analysers are not directly comparable. The BNII produces results which are significantly higher than the AU400.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laboratories using The Binding Site serum free light chain assay are strongly advised to establish local reference intervals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Fife Area Laboratories, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy KY2 5AG, UK. rebecca.pattenden@faht.scot.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Pattenden
authors.forename: Stephen Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: Philip R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Wenham
mesh_terms: D001797:Blood Protein Electrophoresis / Q000592:standards; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains