Comparison of particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay and fluorescence polarization immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies for theophylline.

The DuPont theophylline assay reagent kit, a particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PETINIA) method adapted for use on a centrifugal fast analyzer, was evaluated. It was compared with fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). Day-to-day precision was 4.7% at 6.8 micrograms/ml, and 3.3% at 26.6 micrograms/ml. The assay is linear to a concentration of 40 micrograms/ml. Good correlation was found between the two methods (PETINIA/FPIA: y = 1.04x + 0.15, r = 0.988, Syx = 1.19) in the evaluation of 176 patients receiving theophylline. This method offers a precise and accurate alternative to FPIA.