Development of an Automated Enzymatic Method to Quantify Pyruvate Kinase in Red Blood Cells.

BACKGROUND

Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is the most common cause of nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia owing to defective glycolysis. This study developed and validated an automated method to measure PK activity in red blood cells (RBCs).

METHODS

PK catalyzes the reaction of phosphoenolpyruvate with ADP to form pyruvate and ATP. The pyruvate is reduced in the presence of lactate dehydrogenase and NADH to produce lactate and NAD+. The rate of absorbance decrease at 340 nm is proportional to PK activity. PK and hemoglobin (Hb) measurements were performed on a Roche cobas c501 analyzer. After establishing a k-factor, accuracy, linearity, imprecision, sensitivity, and stability were validated and the reference interval was verified.

RESULTS

The k-factor was -9477. Accuracy was evaluated by method comparison (n = 56). Linear regression yielded y = 1.0x - 0.57, and R2 of 0.93. Linearity was determined by combining a high sample with hemolyzing solution in 6 different ratios. Linear regression analysis yielded y = 1.02x - 2.68, and R2 of 1.0. The assay was linear to 87 U/dL. Precision was evaluated by testing hemolysates in 3 replicates/day for 10 days. Within-run imprecision was 1.9% and 2.5% and total imprecision was 4.0% and 5.6% at 14.0 and 8.1 U/g Hb, respectively. The limit of blank was 0.0, and the limit of detection was 1.0 U/dL. Stability was determined in 4 sample types at 3 different temperatures; the changes were all <10% when compared with t0. The current PK reference interval of 4.6 to 11.2 U/g Hb was verified.

CONCLUSIONS

This automated assay for quantifying PK in RBCs has acceptable performance characteristics and is fit for intended use.