Beckman Coulter has expanded the anaemia menu on its Access immunoassay family of analysers with the release of a reformulated test for folate.
Improved folate testing
The new kit provides a single calibration for both serum/plasma folate and red blood cell (RBC) folate applications, and enables hospital laboratories to produce rapid, accurate results for the differential diagnosis of folate-deficiency anaemia, which is indicated by abnormally large red blood cells in the blood or bone marrow, and/or a decreased ability to carry oxygen. The test can be performed on whole blood, serum or heparinised plasma and features automated pretreatment of serum or haemolysate samples. The reagent requires a sample volume of 55 ╡L and features an analytical sensitivity of 0.5 ng/mL (1.13 nmol/L) and total imprecision of <15% coefficient of variation (CV) across the assay range. Time to first result is 35 minutes. The assay provides 28-day calibration stability and 14-day open-pack stability. In addition to the folate assay, Beckman CoulterÆs anaemia menu includes tests for vitamin B12, ferritin and intrinsic factor antibodies.