Said to be the first controls specifically developed for use in calibrating osmometers, a product simulating urine and a protein-based control will be available within weeks
Advanced Instruments has introduced Renol and Protinol, the first control materials designed specifically for osmometers. "With excellent dimensional stability and tight tolerances, these controls ensure that laboratory osmometers will operate at their highest instrument accuracy ratings," said Ken Micciche, market development manager, Advanced Instruments. "We manufacture these products to stringent Nist and ISO 9000 quality systems standards to generate significantly higher instrument performance." Osmometers are used by clinical, industrial, and quality control laboratories to provide the fastest results in monitoring drug intoxication, renal function, head trauma, and other applications.
"Renol and Protinol controls identify shifts and trends in osmometer performance earlier than multi-analyte reference materials," said Micciche.
Instrument precision is essential in complying with Clia quality requirements that mandate daily osmometer testing with two levels of control materials.
"Using the highest quality control materials will help laboratories avoid expensive workflow disruptions and ensure the reliability of patients' results," he said.
Renol urine controls.
Renol is the world's only osmometer-specific control solution for laboratories testing urine samples.
The aqueous-based material is manufactured to extremely tight tolerances for greater repeatability and the most precise control over patient results. "While the material's chemical makeup simulates urine, it is not a biological fluid and is completely safe for laboratory personnel to handle," said Micciche.
Renol solution comes premixed in formulation values of 300 and 800mOsm/kgH2O.
"These concentrations are close to medical decision levels where performance is critical for the use and interpretation of the test," he said.
Protinol protein-based controls.
Protinol solution was designed for clinical laboratories testing blood samples.
The protein-based control achieves the most consistent, reliable results in the human serum range.
"We specifically formulated Protinol at three levels to facilitate compliance with Clia quality control requirements," said Micciche.
The product is available in values of 240, 280, and 320mOsm/kgH20.
Renol and Protinol controls will be available for purchase on 1 April 2003.
