Evaluation of a new multichannel analyzer, "Astra-8".

We evaluated a new multiple-channel chemistry analyzer, the Beckman "Astra-8," which is controlled by a microprocessor with 52K bytes of memory. The instrument we tested performed the following tests: Na, K, CO2, chloride, urea nitrogen, glucose, and creatinine. We compared the Astra-8 to a continuous-flow (SMA 6/60) and a discrete (Du Pont aca, urea nitrogen only) analyzer. The Astra-8 demonstrated excellent precision, linearity, accuracy, analytical recovery, lack of interference, ease of operation, and satisfactory comparison to values obtained by the comparison methods.