In the Autumn of 2023, technical specialists from BÜHLMANN visited Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital (GOSH) to collaboratively establish a protocol for integrating the new BÜHLMANN sCAL turbo into their Ortho Vitros analyser. This move aimed to facilitate the transition of the immunology team from the conventional ELISA method to the advanced PETIA assay for serum calprotectin. Casting our minds back to 20161, the Immunology Laboratory at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with Clinical Scientist Elizabeth Ralph, embraced the sCAL ELISA assay for routine testing. This assay, designed for serum calprotectin, played a pivotal role in supporting the diagnosis and management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), a challenging autoimmune condition affecting approximately 1 in 1000 children under the age of 16. Early detection in JIA is important as swift identification allows for timely administration of anti-inflammatory medications, crucial for minimising joint destruction. The partnership with Professor Lucy Wedderburn’s research group enhanced their method, pinpointing a specific group of JIA patients who are more likely to benefit from treatment with methotrexate2. Having successfully validated the BÜHLMANN serum MRP 8/14 ELISA kit for clinical use, the team at Great Ormond Street Hospital has been providing valuable support to rheumatologists at GOSH and analysing samples from hospitals across the country. The introduction of the new BÜHLMANN sCAL turbo presents an opportunity to enhance efficiency. Currently, the team is meticulously comparing the new assay and validating the transition from the ELISA method. The collaborative efforts of Clara Moniz and Meikel Eichmann from BÜHLMANN, along with Joe Cranny from Ortho, are supporting this critical phase. Serum Calprotectin Analysis: ELISA vs. Turbidimetric Assays Amanda Appleton, Senior Product Manager, Alpha Laboratories Ltd. From the left: Gerta Bikacu, Hani Rtabi, Arnold Awuah, Fari Tahami and Annabelle Mai 6 Leading Edge
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