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ACCESS
Immunoassay Systems
Access TSH 3rd IS
Instructions For Use Thyrotropin
© 2023 Beckman Coulter, Inc. All rights reserved.
B63284
C28643
Rx Only
PRINCIPLE
INTENDED USE
The Access TSH (3rd IS) assay is a paramagnetic particle, chemiluminescent immunoassay for the quantitative
determination of human thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin, TSH, hTSH) levels in human serum and plasma
using the Access Immunoassay Systems. This assay is capable of providing 3rd generation TSH results.
The principal clinical use for TSH measurement is to aid in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders. TSH measured in
conjunction with other thyroid tests can detect or exclude hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or monitor T4 replacement
treatment.1,2,3,4
Human thyroid-stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein hormone consisting of two noncovalently-bound subunits: an
α subunit, which is nearly identical to the α subunits of human luteinizing hormone (hLH), human follicle-stimulating
hormone (hFSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and a β subunit, which is responsible for immunological
and biological specificity.5
TSH, released from the anterior pituitary, is the principal regulator of thyroid function, stimulating the synthesis and
release of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 and T4 regulate biochemical processes that
are essential for normal metabolism. The synthesis and secretion of TSH is stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone
(TRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus in response to low levels of circulating T3 and T4. In contrast, elevated
levels of T3 and T4 suppress the production of TSH. Collectively, this negative feedback system is referred to as the
hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Any alteration in the function of this axis can influence the levels of TSH, T4, and T3
in circulation.5
Reference ranges for TSH may vary, depending on the method of analysis, and do not necessarily equate to cut-offs for
diagnosing thyroid dysfunction.
As methods achieving third-generation sensitivity have become available, TSH measurements are also used to identify
subclinical or latent hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Third generation methods for TSH measurement are defined
as achieving a functional sensitivity of 0.01-0.02 µIU/mL (mIU/L) with an interassay %CV ≤ 20%.6,7 Clinical laboratories
may use these more sensitive and precise methods to distinguish different levels of TSH suppression associated with
Graves’ disease and subclinical hyperthyroidism and to assist in the diagnosis of gestational and postpartum thyroid
diseases.8,9,10
SPECIMEN
SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND PREPARATION
1. Serum (gel and no gel) and plasma (lithium heparin) are the recommended samples.
2. The role of preanalytical factors in laboratory testing has been described in a variety of published literature.11,12 To
minimize the effect of preanalytical factors observe the following recommendations for handling, processing, and
storing blood samples:11
• Collect all blood samples observing routine precautions for venipuncture.
• Allow serum samples to clot completely before centrifugation in a vertical, closure-up position.
- Nonanticoagulated tubes containing gel separator should be stored in an upright position as soon as the
mixing is complete.
- Precentrifugation serum/cells contact time is according to tube manufacturer’s recommendations. Clotting
may be slowed at cooler temperatures or if patient is on anticoagulant therapy.
• Keep tubes stoppered at all times.
• Physically separate serum or plasma from contact with cells as soon as possible. Tightly stopper the tube
immediately.
• Store samples tightly stoppered at room temperature (15 to 30°C) for up to 18 hours.
• If the assay will not be completed within 18 hours, refrigerate the samples at 2 to 8°C.
• If the assay will not be completed within seven days, freeze at -20°C or colder.
• Frozen specimens can be stored up to 90 days before testing.
• Do not thaw samples more than two times.
3. Use the following guidelines when preparing specimens:
• Ensure residual fibrin and cellular matter have been removed prior to analysis.
• Follow blood collection tube manufacturer's recommendations for centrifugation.
4. Each laboratory should determine the acceptability of its own blood collection tubes and serum separation products.
Variations in these products may exist between manufacturers and, at times, from lot-to-lot.
5. Avoid assaying lipemic or hemolyzed samples.
*ProClin™ is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow.
REACTIVE INGREDIENTS
CAUTION
Sodium azide preservative may form explosive compounds in metal drain lines.
See NIOSH Bulletin: Explosive Azide Hazard (8/16/76).
To avoid the possible build-up of azide compounds, flush wastepipes with
water after the disposal of undiluted reagent. Sodium azide disposal must be in
accordance with appropriate local regulations.
Stability
Unopened at 2 to 10°C Up to stated expiration date
After opening at 2 to 10°C 63 days
• Store upright.
• Refrigerate at 2 to 10°C for a minimum of two hours before use on the instrument.
• Signs of possible deterioration are a broken elastomeric layer on the pack or quality control values out of range.
• If the reagent pack is damaged (e.g., broken elastomer), discard the pack.
CALIBRATION
CALIBRATION INFORMATION
An active calibration is required for all tests. Calibration is required every 63 days. See calibrator Instructions For Use
(IFU) for additional calibration information. Refer to the appropriate system manuals and/or Help system for information
on calibration method, configuring calibrators, calibrator test request entry, and reviewing calibration data.
QUALITY CONTROL
Quality control materials are essential for monitoring the system performance. Quality controls with varying concentration
ranges should be run individually at least once every 24 hours when the assay is being performed.13 Quality control
ranges should be determined by each laboratory’s individual requirements. Follow applicable regulations and guidelines
for quality control.
TESTING PROCEDURE(S)
PROCEDURE
1. Refer to the appropriate system manuals and/or Help system for a specific description of installation, start-up,
principles of operation, system performance characteristics, operating instructions, calibration procedures,
operational limitations and precautions, hazards, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
2. Refer to the appropriate system manuals and/or Help system for information on managing samples, configuring
tests, requesting tests, and reviewing test results.
3. Mix contents of new (unpunctured) reagent packs by gently inverting pack several times before loading on the
instrument. Do not invert open (punctured) packs.
4. Use 30 μL of sample for each determination in addition to the sample container and system dead volumes. Use
50 μL of sample in addition to the sample container and system dead volumes for each determination run with the
automated dilution feature. Refer to the appropriate system manuals and/or Help system for the minimum sample
volume required.
5. The system default unit of measure for sample results is µIU/mL. To change sample reporting units to the
International System of Units (SI units), mIU/L, refer to the appropriate system manuals and/or Help system. To
manually convert concentrations to the International System, multiply µIU/mL by multiplication factor 1.
RESULTS INTERPRETATION
Test results are determined automatically by the system software. Test results can be reviewed using the appropriate
screen. Refer to the appropriate system manuals and/or Help system for complete instructions on reviewing sample
results.
REPORTING RESULTS
MEASURING INTERVAL
Approximately 0.005 – 50.0 μlU/mL (mlU/L)
Automated dilution: Up to approximately 500 μIU/mL (mIU/L)
Samples can be accurately measured within the measuring interval defined as the lower Limit of Detection (LoD) and
the highest calibrator value.
1. If a sample contains less than the lower limit for the assay, report the result as less than that value.
2. If a sample contains more than the stated value of the highest calibrator, report the result as greater than that value.
Alternatively, the sample may be diluted to obtain a result.
• For automated dilutions, the system dilutes one volume of sample with 9 volumes of Wash Buffer II. Refer to the
appropriate system manuals and/or Help system for instructions.
• For manual dilutions, dilute one volume of sample with 9 volumes of Wash Buffer II. Refer to the appropriate
system manuals and/or Help system for instructions on entering a sample dilution in a test request. The system
reports the results adjusted for the dilution.
EXPECTED VALUES
1. Each laboratory should validate or establish its own reference intervals to assure proper representation of specific
populations.
2. Beckman Coulter conducted a multicenter prospective study across geographically diverse locations to establish
the central 97.5% reference interval in apparently healthy, euthyroid adults. Subjects with no known personal or
family thyroid disease, goiter, chronic disease (including cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or cardiovascular
disease), acute bacterial or viral infection, or current use of prescription medication (excluding prenatal vitamins) or
aspirin were enrolled in the study, following the guidance of both the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry’s
(NACB) Laboratory Medicine Practice Guideline, Laboratory Support for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thyroid
Disease, and the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).8,17
3. For additional reference interval guidance, refer to the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB)
publication, Laboratory Support for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thyroid Disease, and the Third National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).8,17
4. The evaluation of thyroid status should not depend on results from a single test. Complete thyroid status evaluation
should include other thyroid function tests, including evaluation of thyroid autoantibodies (useful in the diagnosis
of autoimmune thyroiditis), and the physician’s clinical evaluation.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
ASSAY CRITERIA AND REPRESENTATIVE DATA
Representative data is provided for illustration only. Performance obtained in individual laboratories may vary.
METHODS COMPARISON
A study based on CLSI EP09c, 3rd Edition20 using Passing-Bablok regression and Pearson’s correlation compared the
Access 2 Immunoassay System and the DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer.
Concentration
range*
(μIU/mL Slope Intercept Correlation
N [mIU/L]) Slope 95% CI Intercept 95% CI Coefficient R
IMPRECISION
Repeatability
μlU/mL (mlU/L) (Within-Run) Between-Run Between-Day Within-Laboratory
Sample 1 80 0.02 0.0012 5.5 0.0003 1.5 0.0006 2.8 0.0014 6.4
Sample 2 80 0.36 0.009 2.6 0.007 2.0 0.008 2.3 0.014 4.0
Sample 3 80 4.7 0.12 2.5 0.06 1.3 0.07 1.4 0.15 3.2
Representative data for analytical specificity/interferences are provided for illustration only. Performance obtained in
individual laboratories may vary.
Serum samples containing hTSH concentrations of approximately 0.30 µIU/mL and 5.0 µIU/mL were spiked with multiple
concentrations of the substances below and run on one UniCel DxI 800 Immunoassay System. Values were calculated
as described in CLSI EP7-A2.23 Interference was determined by testing controls (no interfering substance added) and
matched test samples (with interfering substance added). Of the compounds tested, none were found to cause significant
interference (as defined by a shift in dose greater than 10%) using the highest test concentrations indicated in the table
below.
DETECTION CAPABILITY
Limit of Blank (LoB), Limit of Detection (LoD), and Limit of Quantitation (LoQ) studies were conducted on the
DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer following CLSI guideline EP17-A2.24 The LoB study included multiple reagent
lots and 3 instruments over a minimum of 3 days. The LoD and LoQ studies included multiple reagent lots and 3
instruments over a minimum of 5 days.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For a patient/user/third party in the European Union and in countries with identical regulatory regime (Regulation
2017/746/EU on In vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices); if, during the use of this device or as a result of its use, a serious
incident has occurred, please report it to the manufacturer and/or its authorized representative and to your national
authority.
Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and the Beckman Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
May be covered by one or more pat. -see www.beckmancoulter.com/patents.
REVISION HISTORY
Revision A
New release of DxI Access Immunoassay Analyzer reagent IFU.
SYMBOLS KEY
2. N Rifai, AR Horvath, and CT Wittwer. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, 6th ed.
2018 Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri. In Chapter 67: Thyroid Disorders. DB Freedman, D Halsall, WJ Marshall and
C Ellervik. Pages 1572-1616.
3. Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, Burman KD, Cappola AR, Celi FS, et al.; American Thyroid Association Task
Force on Thyroid Hormone Replacement. Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the
American Thyroid Association task force on thyroid hormone replacement. Thyroid. 2014 Dec; 24(12):1670 -751.
4. Ross DS, Burch HB, Cooper DS, Greenlee MC, Laurberg P, Maia AL, et al. 2016 American Thyroid Association
Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid. 2016
Oct;26(10):1343 -421.
5. Larsen PR, Davies TF, and Hay, ID. The Thyroid Gland. In: Wilson JD, Foster, DW, Kronenberg HM, Larsen
PR, editors. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; c1998. p.
389-515.
7. Spencer CA., Takeuchi M, and Kazarosyan M. Current status and performance goals for serum thyrotropin (TSH)
assays. Clinical Chemistry 42.1 (1996): 140-145.
8. Demers, LM, Spencer, CA. Laboratory medicine practice guidelines: laboratory support for the diagnosis and
monitoring of thyroid disease. Washington, DC: National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry; 2002; 1-125.
9. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical practice guidelines in oncology: thyroid carcinoma.
Version 2.2014 (2014).
10. Stagnaro-Green A, et al. Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the diagnosis and management of
thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. Thyroid 21.10 (2011): 1081-1125.
11. Approved Guideline - Procedures for the Handling and Processing of Blood Specimens for Common Laboratory
Tests, GP44-A4. 2010. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
12. Approved Standard - Sixth Edition, Procedures for the Collection of Diagnostic Blood Specimens by Venipuncture,
H3-A6. 2007. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
13. Cembrowski GS, Carey RN. Laboratory quality management: QC ⇌ QA. ASCP Press, Chicago, IL, 1989.
14. Kricka L. Interferences in immunoassays - still a threat. Clin Chem 2000; 46: 1037-1038.
15. Bjerner J, et al. Immunometric assay interference: incidence and prevention. Clin Chem 2002; 48: 613-621.
16. Lingwood D, Ballantyne JS. Alkaline phosphatase-immunoglobulin conjugate binds to lipids in vitro, independent
of antibody selectivity. Journal of Immunological Methods 2006; 311: 174-177.
17. Hollowell JG, et al. Serum TSH, T4, and thyroid antibodies in the United States population (1988 to 1994): National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 87.2
(2002): 489-499.
19. Approved Guideline - Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory,
EP28-A3c. October 2010. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
20. Approved Guideline - Measurement Procedure Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples, EP09c,
3rd Edition. June 2018. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
21. Approved Guideline – Evaluation of the Linearity of Quantitative Measurement Procedures, EP06-Ed2. November
2020. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
22. Approved Guideline – Evaluation of Precision of Quantitative Measurement Procedures, EP05-A3. October 2014.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
23. Approved Guideline - Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry, EP7- A2. November 2005. Clinical and Laboratory
Standards Institute.
24. Approved Guideline - Evaluation of Detection Capability for Clinical Laboratory Measurement Procedures,
EP17-A2. June 2012. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.