Evaluation of the Olli C + D biochemical analyser after over a year of use in enzymology

with carry-over or drift. Automation of these RIA assays has halved the man-hours normally required and eliminated the many errors which can occur in the manual analysis and clerical reporting of large batches of specimens. One of the drawbacks of the system is that complete shutdown occurs when there is a printer failure. This fail-safe system is not essential when the analyser is connected to a laboratory computer. Another feature that could be improved is the sampler. A 40 specimen sampler is too small when large batches are being proceesed. Fewer plate changes would be required if the sampler size was increased to hold 60 or preferably 100 samples. To meet today's clinical requirements, clinical biochemistry laboratories must be increasingly automated. The required criteria for an automatic analyser are reliability; the ability to change chemical reactions easily and quickly; rapid determinations and low analysis cost. It appears that the Olli C + D parallel analyser (Kone Oy instrument division Espoo, Finland) answers these criteria. A report on the Olli C system has already been published by Puuka and Pukka [1]. This evaluation, using the C + D system, deals with its intensive and daily use in enzymology over a period lasting more than one year. Description The instrument is a parallel, multichannel, photometric analyser. The different phases of determination are performed in batches of 24 samples including blanks, standards and controls. The rate of analysis is 700 tests per hour with end point determinations of 360 kinetic measurements per hour reaction time is 21A minutes. The analyser comprises three independent units, the sample diluter/processor, photometer (each controlled by microprocessor) and incubator. The sample change is performed by hand using disposable cuvettes in a thermostated block. The Olli D Diluter measures 350 x 1100 x 740 mm and weighs 70 kg. It is made up of a dispensing tray with 24 cuvette blocks which fit in the Olli C photometer, eight reagent vessels, one block with 24 serum vials, an eight tip dispensing head and a digital display and keyboard. The diluter can be programmed by hand or by tape cassette for 30 analyses; it is possible to add serum and up to eight reagents distributed in one or several runs. Each analysis programme follows the sequence:l. Attain reaction temperature (25, 30, 37C). 2. Measure reagent (5 to 1000/al by steps of 1/.tl) and position. 3. Measure and add sample. 4. …