Evaluation of a newly available biochemical analyzer:: the Olympus AU 600

The performance of the Olympus AU 600, a newly available open multiparametric analyzer, available for routine biochemical analysis of biological samples, was evaluated. The analytical and technical performance of the apparatus and the quality of the Olympus reagents were both examined in a single site study. Electrolyte concentrations were determined with patented ion-selective electrodes; substrate concentrations and enzyme activities were determined by spectrophotometric measurement after coloured reaction or UV detection-based-reactions. The protocol of the evaluation and the acceptability criteria were those recommended by the French Society for Clinical Biology. For the parameters studied, the upper limits of linearity were equal to or higher than those claimed by the manufacturer. The CV values for within-run and between-run precision were lower than the target values with few exceptions. The comparison study gave satisfactory results for most of the parameters. Only expected interferences occurred. In summary, the results obtained for the 25 parameters studied and the characteristics of the apparatus were satisfactory. The analyzer is rapid (800 to 1200 tests per hour) and easy to use. In addition, the analyzer complies with good analytical practice and its flexibility enables users to plan work according to local laboratory constraints.