Evaluation of the Dade Behring Dimension RxL: integrated chemistry system-pediatric reference ranges

Background: The Dade Dimension RxL was introduced into our laboratory at the Children's National Medical Center in an effort to increase the overall efficiency and decrease costs through consolidation of existing procedures. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of the Dade Dimension RxL in a Pediatric Hospital and to establish pediatric reference ranges for this analyzer. Methods: Within-run and between-day imprecision was evaluated for > 60 analytes using two levels of controls. Method comparison studies by regression analysis were performed on eight platforms that included: Vitros 500, Bayer Immuno I, Behring Nephelometer 100, Abbott TDx, Labconco chloridometer, Bayer 2000, Cobas Mira and Hitachi 747. Pediatric reference ranges were determined by utilizing the regression equations to transform the previously established pediatric reference ranges (which employed 1000-10,000 measurements/analyte) using alternate methods to their corresponding values on the Dimension system. Results: The CVs for within-run and between-day imprecision for all analytes were < 10%. The overall correlation (r) of the analytes tested ranged between 0.91 and 0.99. Pediatric reference ranges were obtained for over 40 analytes. Conclusions: The Dimension RxL provides precise and accurate measurement for a wide variety of analytes including routine chemistries, drugs and hormones. Since a good correlation was observed with the alternate platforms, consolidation of these various workstations into one unit would contribute to decreased turnaround time and greatly improved staff efficiency. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.