Architect Ci8200 Research Articles

An evaluation of the interference of hydroxycobalamin with chemistry and co-oximetry tests on nine commonly used instruments

The administration of hydroxocobalamin (OHCob), alone or with sodium thiosulfate, is a standard therapy for cyanide poisoning. OHCob is a red chromophore, and its interference with co-oximetric and colorimetric laboratory measurements has been evaluated in a few conflicting reports. The interference of OHCob was investigated in samples spiked with 10 different concentrations of OHCob (0–1500 mg/L). The concentration of 73 different analytes was measured using nine different analysers (ABL 800 Flex, Advia 1800, Advia Centaur Xp, Architect ci8200, Immulite 2500, Konelab 30i, Modular Analytics SWA, Synchron LX 20 and Vitros 5.1). All instruments yielded some results that were affected by OHCob at concentrations equivalent to a single therapeutic dose. Of the 73 different analytes, 64% showed interference on at least one instrument. Of all 187 tests performed, 47% were biased with more than 10%. Interference was generally limited to photometric assays, whereas immunological and ion-selective electrode measurements were unaffected. OHCob present in the blood after treatment for cyanide poisoning interfered with many laboratory assays in an unpredictable way, making some results invalid. Some affected tests are important in the treatment of cyanide poisoning. The interference is not solely due to wavelength, but also to chemical interaction. Without delaying the administration of OHCob, blood should, preferably, be drawn in advance, or, at least, the laboratory should be informed about the OHCob treatment. If the laboratory receives OHCob-containing samples, methods and instruments should be selected to minimize bias, and the manufacturer of the OHCob should recommend relevant precautions to customers in the package insert.

Method modification to overcome interference by IGM paraproteins in the abbott architect CI8200 urate assay

Introduction In the Abbott urate assay, urate is oxidised to allantoin by uricase with production of hydrogen peroxide, which reacts to yield a quinoeimine dye read bichromatically at 548 and 700 nm. Three patients with IgM paraproteins (range 8.5-21.3 g/L) showed positive interference in this assay. Aims To investigate the interference by IgM, and to modify the assay to reduce or eliminate it. Methods Addition of solid sodium chloride to the reagent for the modified method (MM). Results Urate measurements by Abbott method (AM) on the three patients’ plasma samples (n = 3) have a mean of 0.60 mmol/L (range 0.50-0.77) and on the protein-free supernatants of these samples have a mean of 0.24 mmol/L (range 0.15-0.36). Removal of detectable levels of proteins using 20% TCA solution in these samples does not affect urate measurement. Patients’ samples (IgM paraprotein containing plasma, n = 3) measured by MM have a mean of 0.24 mmol/L (range 0.16-0.35). Control samples (no IgM paraprotein containing plasma, n = 3) measured by AM have a mean of 0.7 mmol/L (range 0.67-0.72) and measured by MM have a mean of 0.68 mmol/L (range 0.64-0.72). Discussion The urate measurements by the MM on patient samples with paraproteins correlate closely with urate measurements of protein-free supernatants of these samples. As for the controls, findings demonstrated modification of the reagent does not affect urate results in normal subjects.

Androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, and early insulin response in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a long-term follow-up study

Thirty-four women with polycystic ovary syndrome who previously had participated in studies with intravenous glucose tolerance test and hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp between 1987 and 1995 underwent anthropometric, endocrine (T and sex-hormone binding globulin serum concentration), and metabolic (intravenous glucose tolerance test, hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp, and androgens) measurements. Free androgen levels and β-cell function decreased over time in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, but insulin sensitivity remained unaltered.

Lipoprotein(a) levels and long-term cardiovascular risk in the contemporary era of statin therapy

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has enhanced atherothrombotic properties. The ability of Lp(a) levels to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing coronary angiography has not been examined. The relationship between serum Lp(a) levels and both the extent of angiographic disease and 3-year incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization) was investigated in 2,769 patients who underwent coronary angiography [median Lp(a) 16.4 mg/dl, elevated levels (≥30 mg/dl) in 38%]. An elevated Lp(a) was associated with a 2.3-fold [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7-3.2, P < 0.001] greater likelihood of having a significant angiographic stenosis and 1.5-fold (95 CI, 1.3-1.7, P < 0.001) greater chance of three-vessel disease. Lp(a)≥30 mg/dl was associated with a greater rate of MACE (41.8 vs. 35.8%, P = 0.005), primarily due to a greater need for coronary revascularization (30.9 vs. 26.0%, P = 0.02). A relationship between Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular outcome was observed in patients with an LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥70-100 mg/dl (P = 0.049) and >100 mg/dl (P = 0.02), but not <70 mg/dl (P = 0.77). Polymorphisms of Lp(a) were also associated with both plasma Lp(a) levels and coronary stenosis, but not a greater rate of MACE. Lp(a) levels correlate with the extent of obstructive disease and predict the need for coronary revascularization in subjects with suboptimal LDL-C control. This supports the need to intensify lipid management in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels.

Association of cystatin C with prostasomes in human seminal plasma

It was recently elucidated that cystatin C, a protein targeted to the classical secretory pathway by its signal peptide sequence, can also be secreted in association with exosomes. Accordingly, we wanted to investigate whether there is a secretory link between cystatin C and prostasomes in human seminal plasma. Cystatin C concentrations in seminal plasma from 50 men including 6 vasectomized men were measured by turbidimetry on an Architect Ci8200. Some of the seminal plasma samples were also analysed utilizing an Epics Profile XL-MCL cytometer. We found high concentrations of cystatin C in seminal plasma. The 2.5-97.5 percentiles, performed by bootstrap estimation, were 25.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.3-29.4] to 77.0 mg/L (95% CI: 71.9-82.1). Cystatin C is present in approximately 50 times higher concentration in seminal plasma compared with blood plasma. There was no clear difference as regards seminal plasma content of cystatin C between vasectomized men and the rest of the group. Immunoblot analysis with chicken anti-cystatin C antibody revealed a firm association of cystatin C with prostasomes. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that cystatin C was linked to prostasomes also meaning an at least partial prostasomal membrane surface localization.

Determination of cerebrospinal fluid cystatin C on Architect ci8200

Background Human cystatin C is a cysteine protease inhibitor produced by all nucleated cells in the body and the protein is present in all body fluids. The concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considerably higher than in plasma. Cystatin C levels seem to influence the development of Alzheimer disease (AD) and low levels in the brain are associated with an increased risk for AD. The aim of this study was to develop a high throughput assay for the quantification of cystatin C in CSF. Methods Antigen excess, imprecision, interference, linearity, recovery, sample stability and reference values were evaluated on Architect ci8200 (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA). Results The assay had an antigen-excess limit at 23 mg/L and was linear over the range of 0.84 to 8.33 mg/L. Results > 8.33 mg/L were automatically rerun in a higher dilution. Within-run coefficient of variation (CV) was 1.71, 1.10 and 0.79%, between day CV was 1.71, 0.39 and 1.45%, between-run CV was 0.58, 0.66 and 0.48%, and total CV was 2.49, 1.34 and 1.72% at cystatin C concentrations of 1.39, 3.17 and 6.28 mg/L, respectively. The recovery was 97–102%. No interference at a 7.5% deviation level was observed for 8.5 g/L of hemoglobin or 800 mg/L (1368 μmol/L) of bilirubin. Reference values for cystatin C in cerebrospinal fluid obtained with this method were 2.42–14.33 mg/L.

Comparison of FT4 with log TSH on the Abbott Architect ci8200: Pediatric reference intervals for free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone

Background We evaluated the clinical validity of serum FT4 measurements by assessing its correlation with log TSH. To provide pediatric reference intervals (representative ranges) for FT4, and TSH on the Architect ci8200 integrated system. Methods This population-based study encompassed 6023 children (3369 females and 2654 males). The percentile and Hoffmann approaches for obtaining reference intervals on these analytes were also compared. Results FT4 correlation with log TSH was poor ( r = 0.010 for males and 0.050 for females). Reference intervals were established. TSH and FT4 did not show a significant sex difference; moreover, the intervals decreased with age for FT4 and TSH. Conclusions Whereas in a previous study ultrafiltration tandem mass spectrometry yielded a correlation of r = 0.90 for FT4 vs. log TSH this present study reveals a poor FT4 vs. log TSH correlation in the pediatric population studied and indicates the FT4 immunoassay conducted on the Abbott Architect ci8200 is less useful clinically than might have been expected. Reference intervals using the Hoffmann approach for pediatric in- and out-patients compare well with previously published results utilizing the percentile approach.

Comparison of immunoturbidimetric and immunonephelometric assays for specific proteins

Immunoturbidimetric assays for specific proteins are available on “open system” clinical chemistry analyzers. The analytical performance of nine immunoturbidimetric specific protein assays (C3, C4, CRP, Haptoglobin, IgA, IgG, IgM, RF, and Transferrin) was compared to immunonephelometry. Testing was performed on the Abbott ARCHITECT ci8200 and the Dade Behring BNII nephelometer and evaluated for precision, linearity, limit of detection, prozone phenomenon, method comparison, workflow, and proficiency testing survey comparison. Immunoturbidimetric assays performance was satisfactory for total precision, linearity, limit of detection and the prozone effect was not observed. Method comparison was acceptable for the immunoglobulins, CRP and transferrin but less favorable for the other assays, likely due to methodology and antibody specificity differences. Immunourbidimetric specific protein assays allow for efficient test consolidation on a general purpose clinical chemistry analyzer.

Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Interval Database (CALIPER): Pediatric reference intervals for an integrated clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzer, Abbott ARCHITECT ci8200

Objectives A comprehensive set of age- and gender-specific pediatric reference intervals is essential for accurate interpretation of laboratory tests in a pediatric setting. Design and methods 1459 serum/plasma from children attending select outpatient clinics and deemed to be metabolically stable, were collected from five age groups; 0–12 months, 1–5 years, 6–10 years, 11–14 years and 15–20 years. Samples were analyzed for 24 chemistries and 15 immunoassays on ARCHITECT ci8200. Results Reference intervals were established according to CLSI/IFCC C28-P3 guidelines by the Robust statistical method. The ranges reflect the central 95% confidence intervals for the population tested. Age and gender were partitioned using the Harris–Boyd method. Conclusions While these intervals are ci8200 method specific, they not only provide robust intervals for users of this system but are also useful for any laboratory requiring pediatric intervals if they can be shown to be transferable and if validated for the local patient population.

Short report: soluble transferrin receptor and depth of bone marrow suppression following high dose chemotherapy

Aim The transferrin receptor (TFR) mediates the transport of iron into cells. Circulating TFR can be measured as soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) which has been shown to reflect erythropoietic activity in the bone marrow (Beguin 1992, Huebers et al 1990). We have sought to identify whether serial measurement of sTfR may predict depth or duration of bone marrow suppression in patients receiving high dose chemotherapy. We prospectively measured serial sTfR in nine consecutive patients with haematological malignancy admitted for various high dose regimens. Methods Samples for sTfR were collected from surplus patient specimens, centrifuged at 1000×g and frozen at -70°C, thawed and assayed as a batch following patient recovery. sTfR was measured by an automated turbidimetric method on an Abbott Architect ci8200 (Tina quant, Roche) that has been previously evaluated (Pfeiffer et al 2007). Haemoglobin and WCC were measured on Abbott Cell-Dyne 4000 analysers (Abbott Diagnostics). Results The sTfR nadir was associated with white cell nadir, and sTfR nadir and Day 5 sTfR were inversely associated with the number of red cell transfusions required. Conclusion Our preliminary data suggest that sTfR may be helpful in predicting the degree of bone marrow suppression in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy.

Evaluation d’une technique de détermination de l’HBA1C sur Architect CI8200 (Abbott Diagnostic). Comparaison avec la technique HPLC D-10 Bio-Rad

The aim of this study is to present an evaluation of HbA(1c) Assay on Architect CI8200 (Abbott Diagnostic). The measurement includes Hb assay by colorimetry and HbA(1c) by immunoturbidimetry. The percentage of HbA(1c) is the report HbA(1c)/complete Hb with a conversion coefficient. Repetability (n = 30; CV: 1.15-1.91%) and reproductibility (n = 30; CV: 2.09-2.64%) are good. Abbott results cannot be returned above 12%. Comparison between HbA(1c) Abbott and HbA(1c) Bio-Rad is performed on 161 patients samples ranging from 4.7 and 12%. Results show a correlation coefficient of 0.9847 (N = 161) with a regression equation: [Abbott] = 1.02x [Bio-Rad]-0,636]. Differences between two methods are normally distributed. 95% of differences lie between limits (-0.61%; +0.61%). Such differences are clinically important and interchangability of two measurements can't be possible now because lack of agreement. We hope that IFCC standardization will reduce these differences. Presence of a jaundice and carbamylation of haemoglobin do not interfer with Abbott assay. Hemoglobin variants are not detected. Therefore, monitoring of diabetic patients with HbA(1c) is possible only if hemoglobinopathy has been identified before.

Evaluation of immunoturbidimetric specific protein methods using the Architect ci8200: comparison with immunonephelometry

Specific proteins have traditionally been analyzed using methodologies such as immunonephelometry on specialized analyzers. It is now possible to perform specific protein testing on clinical chemistry analyzers using immunoturbidimetry. Performance characteristics of turbidimetric assays for eight common specific proteins were evaluated against a nephelometric method. The Abbott Architect ci8200 and the Beckman Immage were used to perform IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4, haptoglobin, and transferrin testing. Abbott, Sentinel and Roche reagents were used to perform CRP testing on the ci8200. The specific protein assays were evaluated for precision, linearity, limit of detection, functional sensitivity, method comparison, prozone, and workflow. Total precision for the immunoturbidimetric assays was consistently better than 2% CV and linear throughout the dynamic range of the assays (recovery +/- 10% of target values). The limits of detection, functional sensitivities, and accuracy (as determined by performance against target values for proficiency testing samples and reference materials) are suitable for clinical purposes. Method comparison, as determined by correlation coefficients, and performance against proficiency testing samples, demonstrated good agreement between the turbidimetric and nephelometric tests. Both the turbidimetric and nephelometric assays provided reliable results under conditions of antigen excess. Specific protein test requests could be consolidated within our routine chemistry workload without impacting analytical test throughput. As demonstrated by their performance characteristics, the Architect ci8200 immunoturbidimetric specific protein assays are suitable for routine use and correlate well with representative immunonephelometric assays on the Beckman Immage analyzer. The ability to perform specific protein analyses on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay system can allow for consolidation of testing on a single platform, resulting in improved laboratory operations efficiency.

Interference of ethylene glycol on lactate assays

Ethylene glycol is broken down to three main organic acids: glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid which cause severe metabolic acidosis. Effect of these three acids on lactate assays was evaluated in five blood gas analysers and two clinical chemistry analysers. For all systems, no influence of oxalic acid on lactate results could be demonstrated. No interference of glycolic acid could be observed on lactate assay performed with Rapid Lab 1265 (R: 104,9 +/- 12,1%), Vitros 950 (R: 105,7 +/- 5,3 %) and Architect ci8200 (R: 104,9 +/- 4,7%), but on the contrary, CCX 4, OMNI S, ABL 725 and 825 demonstrated a concentration-dependent interference. No interference of glyoxylic acid could be observed with Vitros 950, but a positive interference could be observed with ABL 725 and 825, OMNI S, CCX4 and Architect ci8200 A linear relationship between apparent lactate concentration found with ABL 725 and 825, OMNI S, CCX 4, and glyoxylic acid could be observed (0,94 < r < 0,99), a weaker interference being observed with Rapid Lab 1265 and Architect ci 8200. Our results demonstrated that in case of ethylene glycol poisoning, cautious interpretation of lactate assay should be done, since wrong results of lactacidemia could lead to misdiagnostic and delay patient treatment.

Evaluation of Gentian cystatin C reagent on Abbott Ci8200 and calculation of glomerular filtration rate expressed in mL/min/1.73 m2 from the cystatin C values in mg/L

Objective. Estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is essential when evaluating patients with kidney disease and treating patients with drugs eliminated from the circulation by the kidneys. Cystatin C has been shown in several studies to be superior to creatinine in the estimation of GFR. At our hospitals, there is an increasing demand for cystatin C and at present we perform approximately 1500 cystatin C analyses a month. We thus need the assay available 24 h/day and to have it on our routine chemistry instrument to minimize handling time per test and time to reported test results. Material and methods. We have evaluated a new cystatin C immunoassay from Gentian (Gentian, Moss, Norway) on Architect ci8200 (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill., USA). A prerequisite at our hospital is that cystatin C results are reported as a calculated GFR in mL/min/1.73 m2, so we also made a comparison with iohexol clearance. Results. The Gentian cystatin C assay showed good agreement with the corresponding assay from Dade Behring (Deerfield, Ill., USA) and good inter‐laboratory concordance. The assay has very low total imprecision, good linearity and strong correlation with iohexol clearance (R2 = 0.956). The equation for the correlation curve is: y = 79.901x−1.4389. Conclusions. There was low inter‐laboratory variation between the three laboratories involved in the cystatin C evaluation, and thus all three laboratories can use the same equation for calculating the estimated GFR.

Performance Characteristics of a Cystatin C Immunoassay with Avian Antibodies

Background: A new particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA) with avian antibodies for measuring serum/plasma cystatin C has been developed. The performance characteristics of the assay are described. Methods: Measurements were performed on a Roche Modular P and on an Abbott Architect ci8200 using Gentian cystatin C immunoassay. Results: Measuring range was 0.3–8.0 mg/L. Reference range was 0.57–1.09 mg/L. Total analysis time was 10 minutes. Linearity was absolute over the whole assay range. Recovery of samples and controls was within 98.6–109.4%. Total imparticle enhanced nephelometric cystatin C immunoassay (PENIA) by linear regression resulted in a slope within 0.97–1.02 and intercept within ±0.05 mg/L. Interference studies with drugs, anticoagulants, intralipid ( 11g/L), triglycerides ( 14 g/L) and bilirubin (420mg/L) antibodies, no interference with rheumatoid factor was observed. No carry-over was 6%) were both below 0.33 mg/L, which is less than the lowest standard. Sample stability was up to one month at 2–8°C. Stability of the reagents at 2–8°C was estimated to be 24 months.Stability of the reagents in use was minimum 9 weeks. Conclusions: Gentian cystatin C PETIA is shown to have excellent performance between methods. Interference results are improved due to avian antibodies and a broader span of the calibration curve. Avian antibodies are also known to have better immune response than mammalian antibodies towards mammalian antigens.

Pediatric Tube Direct Sampling by the Abbott Architect Integrated ci8200 Chemistry/Immunochemistry Analyzer

Handling and direct sampling from primary, barcode-labeled pediatric tubes is a challenge for laboratories processing substantial numbers of pediatric samples (1)(2). To prevent anemia as a result of frequent blood draws in pediatric patients, analyzers should be able to handle small sample volumes collected in pediatric tubes. However, most analyzers are developed for standard adult tubes and cannot handle primary pediatric tubes (1)(3). Pediatric samples therefore are often manually processed and transferred to sample cups (3); this process, however, is prone to errors and is time-consuming. In our study, we assessed the ability of the Abbott Architect ci8200 (Abbott Laboratories) to handle and directly sample from different types of primary, barcode-labeled pediatric lithium heparin gel tubes and determined the sample dead volumes of these tubes and the standard Abbott sample cup. Five types of tubes were tested: the Sarstedt Microvette® …

Evaluation of Dade Behring N Latex Cystatin C Reagent on Abbott Ci8200

Plasma cystatin C has been shown in several studies to be superior to plasma creatinine for estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Reporting cystatin C results in mL/min using conversion formulas for transforming cystatin C expressed as mg/L to GFR expressed as mL/min has greatly facilitated the clinical use of the marker. At our hospital we have an increasing demand for cystatin C and at present we perform over 1,400 cystatin C analyses a month.The test is available at all hours. This in combination with the volume emphasises the need to have the assay close to the routine chemistry instrument to reduce handling time per test and time to report test results. We have thus evaluated the Dade Behring N Latex Cystatin Cassay (Dade Behring, Deerfield, IL, USA) on Architect ci8200 (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA). The nephelometric method on the ProSpec (Dade Behring) and the turbidimetric method on Architect ci8200 showed very good agreement (y = 1.0072x + 0.0042; R2 = 0.987). Accordingly, running the cystatin C analyses on a chemistry instrument (Architect ci8200) would be proper to increase the availability of the analysis and reduce turnaround times.

Variations in assay protocol for the Dako cystatin C method may change patient results by 50% without changing the results for controls

Cystatin C is increasingly used as a glomerular filtration marker, but so far only a few companies produce most of the cystatin C reagents suited for turbidimetry or nephelometry use in clinical laboratories. We studied different protocols for measuring cystatin C on an Architect ci8200 system using cystatin C reagents from Dako (Glostrup, Denmark). The results were compared with those obtained with Dade Behring reagents (Deerfield, IL, USA) on a BN ProSpec system. Differences in assay protocol on the same instrument with the Dako reagent yielded an up to 50% difference in glomerular filtration rate calculated from the cystatin C results when analyzing patient samples, but had no effect on the results for controls. There were also significant differences regarding linearity and kinetics between samples and controls/calibrators. The results indicate different reactivity of the Dako antibodies against calibrators and controls in comparison with patient samples, highlighting the importance of using controls and calibrators that do not differ from patient samples.

Analytical evaluation of HgbA1c, microalbumin, CRP, and RF on Architect ci8200 integrated system and workflow performance evaluation using computer simulation

Background Recently, hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c), microalbumin (MA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) have been introduced on high throughput general chemistry system. We evaluated analytical performance of these assays on an integrated clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzer and studied the impact of testing these assays on these systems on the overall efficiency of the analyzer, via computer simulation. Methods The analytical performance was measured by determining precision, linearity and correlation of patient sample results with in-house testing methodology. MedModel simulation software is used to develop simulation model and process efficiency is determined by measuring turnaround times and resource utilization. Results Between-days CVs ranged from 8.59% for MA to 3.22% for HgbA1c level 1 controls. Less than 2% carryover for all 4 methods was observed on the integrated analyzer. For HgbA1c on HPLC analyzer, the minimum and maximum TAT for a batch of 50 samples was 3.78 and 160 min, respectively, while for the integrated system it was 28.2 and 35.1 min, respectively. Labor utilization for the 2 processes ranged from 3.21% to 3.75%. Conclusion Chemistry module on an integrated system can be used to determine the HgbA1c and other serum proteins.

Evaluation of analytical methods and workflow performance of the Architect ci8200 integrated serum/plasma analyzer system

Background The Architect ci8200 is an integrated serum analyzer for photometric, electrochemical and immunological assays. Several assays of each category and the workflow performance of the system were compared with established laboratory procedures in two laboratories. Methods Measurements were compared with the ELECSYS 2010 (Roche Diagnostics) for CEA, PSA, FPSA, AFP, folate, vitamin B12, with the CENTAUR (Bayer) for TSH, T4, FT4, FSH and Estradiol, with the LIAISON (DiaSorin) for TSH, FT4 and FT3, with the Behring Nephelometer BN II (Dade-Behring) for ferritin, and with the INTEGRA 800 (Roche Diagnostics), and the AU640 (Olympus) for clinical chemistry assays. Workflow studies were performed to compare times of analysis required for defined analytical workloads. Results The coefficients of variation (CVs) for within-run imprecision were between 3% and 6% for CEA, PSA, FPSA, AFP and ferritin, and between 3% and 11% for TSH, FT4, FT3, folate and vitamin B12. The CVs for day-to-day imprecision for immunoassays were between 3% and 10%, except for vitamin B12 (CVs 11–13%) and FT4 (CV 10% –13%). For clinical chemistry tests corresponding CVs for within-run imprecision were < 1%, except for HDL, triglyceride, creatinine, ALT, LD and lipase (CVs < 2%) and bicarbonate (CV 3%–6%) and magnesium (CV < 3%). The CVs for day-to-day imprecision for clinical chemistry tests were < 1%, except for sodium, CO 2, magnesium, phosphorus, glucose, uric acid, HDL, triglyceride, ALT, AST CK, lipase with CVs < 6% and for CO 2 < 11%. Dilutional linearity testing of seven immunoassays and five clinical chemistry analytes resulted in recovery rates of 90–110%. Correlation studies with 15 immunoassays and 25 clinical chemistry tests showed acceptable agreements with established methods. Work flow analyses demonstrated a net gain in time of analysis up to 109 min depending on the size of the sample batch analyzed with the Architect ci8200 as the main analyzer as compared to the currently installed routine laboratory equipment. Median turn-around times were 7 and 30 min for chemistry assays and immunoassays, respectively, when ordered as STAT analyses, and 18 min when chemistry assays were ordered as routine determinations. Conclusions Assays on the Architect ci8200 performed well, fulfilling quality control requirements as defined for instance by German quality control guidelines (RiliBÄK). Method comparisons showed acceptable agreements with established assays. Workflow studies using the Architect ci8200 documented shorter times of analyses as compared with the conventionally established laboratory routine demonstrating the potential of integrated chemistry/immunoassay analyzers to provide faster and more efficient performance.