The MDA-180 coagulation analyser: a laboratory evaluation

We have evaluated the technical performance of the MDA-180 automated coagulation analyser in a working diagnostic hemostasis laboratory environment. The analyser has been on site now for over 18 months, and has undergone considerable testing. More than 22,000 samples have been processed, with over 90% of these via the MDA-180's cap-piercing facility. The instrument has been primarily assessed for its technical ease of use and continued reliability, as well as its analytical performance. The instrument has also been successfully interfaced to, and used with, our Laboratory information (CERNER PATHNET) system. A major feature of our evaluation has been an assessment of the MDA-180's ability to perform assays currently performed using alternative methodology or instrumentation (eg; ELISA methodology or the Coagamate-X2 and ACL-300R instruments), as well as its potential to streamline the technical performance of some of these assays. We have co-evaluated the following assays: PT/INR, APTT, TT, Fibrinogen, Protein C, ATIII, Factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII, Lupus anticoagulant (dRVVT), and heparin (alpha Xa). In addition, a number of different reagents (particularly for PT and APTT assays) have been tested on the instrument. Intra-assay and inter-assay variation appears to be remarkably low (five different plasmas tested: PT: 0.6 to 1.3% and 0.5 to 1.3% respectively; APTT: 0.7 to 3.2% and 0.6 to 3.6% respectively; single day analysis). Other comparative assessment data typically showed good correlation to existing test assay systems. A review of other features which may enhance or detract from the instrument's worth in a given hemostasis laboratory is also presented. In summary however, we conclude that the instrument is reliable, easy to use and capable of fast sample through-put.