Evaluation of the Beckman Coulter LX20 clinical chemistry analyzer

Abstract

Our goal was to consolidate different methodologies in the clinical chemistry laboratory and replace aging analyzers; therefore, we evaluated the newly available Beckman Coulter LX20 (Brea, CA). Results were obtained for linearity, within- and between-day precision, correlation, interference, and serum-vs-plasma studies. Satisfactory precision results were obtained, with most assays demonstrating within-day coefficients of variation less than 2% and between-day coefficients of variation less than 5%. The linearity for all assays was acceptable over the range tested. Correlation results were adequate. The major difference in serum-vs-plasma studies was potassium. The only significant interferences noted were that lipemia decreased uric acid and bilirubin results, while hemolysis increased potassium results. We conclude that the LX20 demonstrates good performance capabilities, making this instrument suitable for a medium- to high-volume laboratory.