Development of dry reagent chemistry for the clinical laboratory

Abstract

Greyson Chemistry on dry reagent carriers Conclusions It appears that on balance, these two systems are similar in terms of advantages and disadvantages.Each seems to have emphasised the more important characteristic for its potential application.Thus, the multilayer film tests seem to be being directed to large laboratories where high precision is important and storageability less so.The impregnated fibre systems, on the other hand, seem to be being directed toward the small laboratory, the physician's office, or the emergency room, where convenience, low space requirements, and simplicity are important.Unquestionably, as dry reagent technology matures, each will borrow from the other to achieve the best features of both.One should bear in mind that the technologies, as they are currently configured, are only the beginning.They may, however, signal the future of clinical chemistry.If successful, they certainly will bring a new and desirable level of analytical standardisation to the industry and provide the medical community with a more universal basis for communication.Large scale manufacturing with its associated quality control methods should provide a new level of analytical consistency.Laboratory regulation should become simplified.Finally, the new technology should enhance cost effectiveness in health care because it provides capability for test selectivity, because of its ease of use, and because individual self-contained tests allow for little material waste.