The application of two-dimensional centrifugation to clinical chemistry testing.

We have developed a new clinical chemistry analyzer, the VISION System, which uses centrifugal force to separate whole blood, measure reagent and plasma volumes, and complete all steps required for a spectrophotometric analysis. The system is based on a multichambered test pack containing liquid reagents, which can be centrifuged in two planes oriented at right angles to each other. The analyzer regulates the temperature, timing and optical measurements for up to 10 different test packs in the same run. We have demonstrated good precision and accuracy on 6 clinical chemistry analytes, 2 enzymes, potassium and theophylline using this system.