Detection of serum free light chains: the problem with antigen excess.

Background: In recent years, measurement of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) has greatly facilitated diagnosis and monitoring of various plasma cells dyscrasias, including multiple myeloma. Detection of FLCs by nephelometry depends on the formation of immune complexes. However, it is known that if the antigen (free light chain) is present in great excess, non-precipitating immune complexes can be formed and be detected poorly.

MODULAR ANALYTICS: A New Approach to Automation in the Clinical Laboratory.

MODULAR ANALYTICS (Roche Diagnostics) (MODULAR ANALYTICS, Elecsys and Cobas Integra are trademarks of a member of the Roche Group) represents a new approach to automation for the clinical chemistry laboratory. It consists of a control unit, a core unit with a bidirectional multitrack rack transportation system, and three distinct kinds of analytical modules: an ISE module, a P800 module (44 photometric tests, throughput of up to 800 tests/h), and a D2400 module (16 photometric tests, throughput up to 2400 tests/h). MODULAR ANALYTICS allows customised configurations for various laboratory workloads.

Workflow and cost analysis on MODULAR ANALYTICS.

Four stand-alone analyzers in a centralized laboratory were replaced by two modular analytical systems processing 45 methods of the general chemistry and specific protein segment. This consolidation led to a reduction of the daily workflow and operational costs. The cost saving with 1.