A barbiturate screening assay for the Abbott AxSYM analyzer

Abstract

A fluorescence polarization immunoassay for barbiturates on the Abbott AxSYM analyzer is described. The assay displayed dilution linearity up to 1200 ng/mL; coefficients of variation varied from 5.96 to 8.61%; recovery varied from 94.9 to 105.3%; and sensitivity was less than 40 ng/mL. Good correlation between the standard six- and factory two-point calibration methods was observed. The immunoassay demonstrated good cross-reactivity to several commonly prescribed barbiturates; low cross-reactivity with structurally similar compounds; low interference from endogeneous substances, dyes, preservatives, and several commonly available adulterants; and good correlation with the TDx Barbiturate Urine assay.