[Sweat chloride measurement using direct potentiometry: Spotchem(®) (Elitech-Arkray) evaluation and comparison with coulometry and conductivity].

Sweat chloride (Cl(-)) measurement is a key step for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. The coulometric technique is validated in this context by international guidelines. The aim of our study was to evaluate the assay for sweat Cl(-) ions using direct potentiometry on disposable cassette (Spotchem™ SE EL-1520, Elitech-Arkray) by comparing results to those obtained on the same sample, by coulometry (Chloride analyser Sherwood 926S, Dutscher).

[Analytical quality of assays and comparison of procedures for the sweat test].

Sweat test measuring the chloride ion (Cl(-)) concentration in sweat is a tool for the cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis. We evaluated analytical criteria of different available methods and compared them into five hospitals and throught a national quality control program. Sweat tests were performed by stimulation using pilocarpine iontophoresis, sweat collection and measurement of sweat Cl(-) (mmol/L) by titration (colorimetric or coulometric end-point) or by in situ direct potentiometry using a chloride-selective electrode.

[Sweat testing: review of technical requirements].

The sweat test, a quantitative measurement of chloride in sweat, remains a key laboratory test to support the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. However, because of its delicate execution, sweat test result should be interpreted with biological, clinical and genetic arguments. The following guidelines which we propose, were established in order to harmonize the practices of the sweat test.

Determination of total bilirubin in whole blood from neonates: results from a French multicenter study.

Background: Jaundice is frequent in neonates and can cause severe complications, especially in premature neonates, particularly the risk of developing acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Our purpose was to verify if determination of total bilirubin (TBIL) in whole blood on an ABL 735 blood gas analyzer with a spectrophotometer module could provide an analytical alternative to chemical methods of TBIL measurement.

Methods: Our multicenter comparative study involved four hospital laboratories.