Validation protocol of analytical hemostasis systems: Measurement of anti-Xa activity of low-molecular-weight heparins

Abstract

A standard validation protocol adapted to the chromogenic assay of anti- Xa activity of low-molecular-weight heparins was used in a multicenter study to assess its suitability for comparing and evaluating analytical hemostasis systems. The protocol included: familiarization with the system (repeatability); assessment of limits of linearity, detection limits, and cross-contamination; and validation (reproducibility and accuracy of measurements of treated patients' plasmas). We calibrated the systems with the same range of lyophilized plasmas daily and evaluated repeatability and reproducibility by using a single batch of lyophilized plasmas at three anti- Xa activities. The two automated systems tested [SB 300 (Gilford) and ACL (IL)] and the two semi-automated systems [ST 888 (D. Stago) and Chromotimer (Behring)] gave similar mean values. Dispersion of results was lower with the automated systems than with the semi-automated ones, especially at low anti- Xa activities, a tendency that also was observed for reproducibility. Because each analytical system gave linear results for activities as great as 1000 IU/L, suitable sample dilution is advisable for higher anti-Xa activities. Accuracy was greater in the automated systems. We conclude that this protocol is feasible and is applicable to validation of other analytical hemostasis instruments, in particular the latest generation of fully automated instruments.