The MDA-180 coagulation analyser: a laboratory evaluation

SummaryWe 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, Fibrino...