Comparative analysis of two rapid, automated methods for determining aminoglycoside levels

Abstract

Two rapid automated methods, the Syva EMIT [enzyme multiplied immune technique] Autolab 6000 and the Abbott TDX systems, for determining amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin levels in serum were evaluated for accuracy, reproducibility and cost. Both methods had a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility in assaying gentamicin, amikacin and tobramycin. The Abbott TDX-required an average of only 1 min and 43 s for a single assay compared with 4 min and 15 s for the Syva EMIT automated system. Both systems performed well during this evaluation in a general diagnostic laboratory, but the Syva EMIT required more daily maintenance than the Abbott TDX system.