Evaluation of Cobas 8000 Analyzer Series Module e801 Analytical Performance

BACKGROUND: Immunoassays are important tests that provide essential information for patient care. The e801, a module of the recently released Cobas 8000 series (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany), is an automated immunoassay system based on streptavidin-biotin interactions. In this study, we evaluated the analytical performance of the e801. METHODS: We evaluated the precision, linearity, assay comparison, and reference range validation of 16 analytes (AFP, CA19-9, CA125, CEA, CYFRA, ferritin, NSE, PSA, Vitamin D, E2, fT4, TSH, FSH, insulin, NT-proBNP, and T) according to the guidelines of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. RESULTS: In precision evaluations, the coefficients of variation were less than each allowable total error for all analytes. Linearity was observed for all analytes over the entire tested analytical range (r2≥0.99). Performance comparisons revealed that the two systems are comparable, with correlation coefficients (r)>0.975 for all analytes. The reference range validation was also within the allowable criteria. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the Cobas 8000 e801 analyzer demonstrated acceptable performance with respect to precision, linearity, reference range validation, and correlation. Therefore, the e801 analyzer is expected to be useful for routine immunoassays in clinical laboratories, although education and awareness about biotin interference is necessary for successful implementation in clinical practice.