Performance studies on the Technicon "SMAC" analyzer: Precision and comparison of values with methods in routine laboratory service.

We present performance studies on the Technicon "SMAC" analyzer. Precision was estimated from control data during routine operation and from blind duplicates of sera from patients. Patients' specimens were analyzed with the SMAC and the SMA 12/60 during initial evaluation studies. Comparisons were also made with the Du Pont aca and other methods during routine service. Performance is judged relative to medical usefulness requirements, by using previously developed criteria and recommendations for decision levels and allowable errors.