ms_06437206190V2.

FT3 III
FT3 - free triiodothyronine

Elecsys 2010
MODULAR ANALYTICS E170
06437206 190 200 cobas e 411
cobas e 601
cobas e 602

English R1 Anti‑T3‑Ab~Ru(bpy) (gray cap), 1 bottle, 18 mL:

Intended use Monoclonal anti‑T3‑antibody (sheep) labeled with ruthenium
Immunoassay for the in vitro quantitative determination of free complex 18 ng/mL; phosphate buffer 100 mmol/L, pH 7.0;
triiodothyronine in human serum and plasma. preservative.
The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use
on Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers. R2 T3~biotin (black cap), 1 bottle, 18 mL:
Summary Biotinylated T3 2.4 ng/mL; phosphate buffer 100 mmol/L, pH 7.0;
The thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are secreted preservative.
into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland and play a vital role in regulating
the body's metabolic rate, influencing the cardiovascular system, growth Precautions and warnings
and bone metabolism, and are important for normal development of For in vitro diagnostic use.
gonadal functions and nervous system.1 Exercise the normal precautions required for handling all laboratory
reagents.
T3 circulates in the bloodstream as an equilibrium mixture of free and Disposal of all waste material should be in accordance with local guidelines.
serum bound hormone. Free T3 (fT3) is the unbound and biologically active Safety data sheet available for professional user on request.
form, which represents only 0.2‑0.4 % of the total T3. The remaining T3 is
inactive and bound to serum proteins, while the distribution of T3 between Avoid foam formation in all reagents and sample types (specimens,
these binding proteins (thyroxine binding globulin, pre-albumin, albumin) is calibrators and controls).
controversially discussed.2,3,4,5,6 Reagent handling
The determination of free T3 has the advantage of being independent of The reagents in the kit have been assembled into a ready‑for‑use unit that
changes in the concentrations and binding properties of the binding cannot be separated.
proteins; additional determination of a binding parameter (T‑uptake, TBG) is All information required for correct operation is read in from the respective
therefore unnecessary. Therefore free T3 is a useful tool in clinical routine reagent barcodes.
diagnostics for the assessment of the thyroid status. Free T3
measurements support the differential diagnosis of thyroid disorders, are Storage and stability
needed to distinguish different forms of hyperthyroidism, and to identify Store at 2‑8 °C.
patients with T3 thyrotoxicosis.1,7,8
Do not freeze.
A variety of methods are available for estimating the free thyroid hormone
levels. The direct measurement of fT4 and fT3 via equilibrium dialysis or Store the Elecsys reagent kit upright in order to ensure complete
ultrafiltration is mainly used as a reference method for standardizing, the availability of the microparticles during automatic mixing prior to use.
immunological procedures generally used for routine diagnostic purposes.7,8 Stability:
In the Elecsys FT3 III assay a specific anti‑T3 antibody labeled with a
ruthenium complexa) is used to determine the free triiodothyronine unopened at 2‑8 °C up to the stated expiration date
concentration. after opening at 2‑8 °C 84 days (12 weeks)
a) Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-complex (Ru(bpy) )
on the analyzers 42 days (6 weeks) onboard
Test principle or
Competition principle. Total duration of assay: 18 minutes. 56 days (8 weeks) when stored
▪ 1st incubation: 15 µL of sample and an anti‑T3‑specific antibody labeled alternatively in the refrigerator and
with a ruthenium complex. on the analyzer, with the total time
▪ 2nd incubation: After addition of biotinylated T3 and streptavidin‑coated onboard on the analyzer not
microparticles, the still‑free binding sites of the labeled antibody become exceeding 120 hours
occupied, with formation of an antibody‑hapten complex. The entire
complex is bound to the solid phase via interaction of biotin and Specimen collection and preparation
streptavidin. Only the specimens listed below were tested and found acceptable.
▪ The reaction mixture is aspirated into the measuring cell where the Undiluted serum collected using standard sampling tubes or tubes
microparticles are magnetically captured onto the surface of the containing separating gel.
electrode. Unbound substances are then removed with Undiluted Li‑heparin, K2‑EDTA and K3‑EDTA plasma.
ProCell/ProCell M. Application of a voltage to the electrode then induces
chemiluminescent emission which is measured by a photomultiplier. Recovery with a total deviation ≤ ± 0.4 pmol/L of initial value at
concentrations < 2 pmol/L; recovery within ± 10 % of initial value at
▪ Results are determined via a calibration curve which is instrument- concentrations ≥ 2 pmol/L and slope 0.9‑1.1 + intercept within ≤ ± 2x Limit
specifically generated by 2‑point calibration and a master curve provided of Blank (LoB) + coefficient of correlation ≥ 0.95.
via the reagent barcode.
Stable for 7 days at 2‑8 °C, 30 days at -20 °C.7 Freeze only once.
Reagents - working solutions The sample types listed were tested with a selection of sample collection
The reagent rackpack is labeled as FT3 III. tubes that were commercially available at the time of testing, i.e. not all
available tubes of all manufacturers were tested. Sample collection systems
M Streptavidin-coated microparticles (transparent cap), 1 bottle, 12 mL: from various manufacturers may contain differing materials which could
Streptavidin-coated microparticles 0.72 mg/mL; preservative. affect the test results in some cases. When processing samples in primary
tubes (sample collection systems), follow the instructions of the tube
manufacturer.
Centrifuge samples containing precipitates before performing the assay.
Do not use heat‑inactivated samples.

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FT3 III
FT3 - free triiodothyronine

Do not use samples and controls stabilized with azide. registered on the analyzer). Renewed calibration is recommended as
Ensure the samples, calibrators and controls are at 20‑25 °C prior to follows:
measurement. ▪ after 1 month (28 days) when using the same reagent lot
Due to possible evaporation effects, samples, calibrators and controls on ▪ after 7 days (when using the same reagent kit on the analyzer)
the analyzers should be analyzed/measured within 2 hours.
▪ as required: e.g. quality control findings outside the defined limits
Materials provided
Quality control
See “Reagents – working solutions” section for reagents.
For quality control, use PreciControl Universal.
Materials required (but not provided) In addition, other suitable control material can be used.
▪  06437222190, FT3 III CalSet, for 4 x 1 mL Controls for the various concentration ranges should be run individually at
▪  11731416190, PreciControl Universal, for 2 x 3 mL each of least once every 24 hours when the test is in use, once per reagent kit, and
PreciControl Universal 1 and 2 following each calibration.
▪ General laboratory equipment The control intervals and limits should be adapted to each laboratory’s
individual requirements. Values obtained should fall within the defined
▪ Elecsys 2010, MODULAR ANALYTICS E170 or cobas e analyzer limits. Each laboratory should establish corrective measures to be taken if
Accessories for Elecsys 2010 and cobas e 411 analyzers: values fall outside the defined limits.
▪  11662988122, ProCell, 6 x 380 mL system buffer Follow the applicable government regulations and local guidelines for
quality control.
▪  11662970122, CleanCell, 6 x 380 mL measuring cell cleaning
solution Calculation
▪  11930346122, Elecsys SysWash, 1 x 500 mL washwater additive The analyzer automatically calculates the analyte concentration of each
sample (either in pmol/L, pg/mL or ng/dL).
▪  11933159001, Adapter for SysClean
▪  11706802001, Elecsys 2010 AssayCup, 60 x 60 reaction vessels Conversion factors: pmol/L x 0.651 = pg/mL
▪  11706799001, Elecsys 2010 AssayTip, 30 x 120 pipette tips pg/mL x 1.536 = pmol/L
Accessories for MODULAR ANALYTICS E170, cobas e 601 and pg/mL x 0.1 = ng/dL
cobas e 602 analyzers: Limitations - interference
▪  04880340190, ProCell M, 2 x 2 L system buffer The assay is unaffected by icterus (bilirubin < 1128 µmol/L or < 66 mg/dL),
▪  04880293190, CleanCell M, 2 x 2 L measuring cell cleaning hemolysis (Hb < 0.621 mmol/L or < 1.0 g/dL), lipemia (Intralipid
solution < 2000 mg/dL), biotin (< 286 nmol/L or < 70 ng/mL), IgG < 7 g/dL, IgA
< 1.6 g/dL and IgM < 1 g/dL.
▪  03023141001, PC/CC‑Cups, 12 cups to prewarm ProCell M and Criterion: Recovery within ± 10 % of initial value.
CleanCell M before use
Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high
▪  03005712190, ProbeWash M, 12 x 70 mL cleaning solution for run biotin doses (i.e. > 5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours following the last biotin
finalization and rinsing during reagent change administration.
▪  03004899190, PreClean M, 5 x 600 mL detection cleaning solution No interference was observed from rheumatoid factors up to a
▪  12102137001, AssayTip/AssayCup Combimagazine M, concentration of 1200 IU/mL.
48 magazines x 84 reaction vessels or pipette tips, waste bags Any influence that might affect the binding behavior of the binding proteins
▪  03023150001, WasteLiner, waste bags can alter the result of the fT3 tests (e.g. drugs, NTIs (Non‑Thyroid‑Illness) or
patients suffering from FDH (Familial Dysalbuminemic Hyperthyroxinemia)).
▪  03027651001, SysClean Adapter M 10,11
Accessories for all analyzers: In vitro tests were performed on 17 commonly used pharmaceuticals. No
▪  11298500316, Elecsys SysClean, 5 x 100 mL system cleaning interference with the assay was found.
solution The following special thyroid drugs were tested with concentrations shown
Assay in the table below. No interference with the assay was found.
For optimum performance of the assay follow the directions given in this Criterion: Recovery within ± 10 % of initial value.
document for the analyzer concerned. Refer to the appropriate operator’s
manual for analyzer‑specific assay instructions. Drug Concentration (µg/mL)
Resuspension of the microparticles takes place automatically prior to use. Iodid 0.200
Read in the test‑specific parameters via the reagent barcode. If in Carbimazol 30
exceptional cases the barcode cannot be read, enter the 15‑digit sequence
of numbers. Thiamazol 80
MODULAR ANALYTICS E170, cobas e 601 and cobas e 602 analyzers: Propylthiouracil 60
PreClean M solution is necessary.
Perchlorat 2000
Bring the cooled reagents to approx. 20 °C and place on the reagent disk
(20 °C) of the analyzer. Avoid foam formation. The system automatically Propranolol 240
regulates the temperature of the reagents and the opening/closing of the Amiodaron 200
bottles.
Prednisolon 100
Calibration
Traceability: This method has been standardized against the FT3 assay Hydrocortison 200
(  03051986). The FT3 assay (  03051986) is traceable to the FT3 Fluocortolon 100
assay (  11731386) which was standardized using equilibrium dialysis.6,9
Every Elecsys reagent set has a barcoded label containing specific Octreotid 0.300
information for calibration of the particular reagent lot. The predefined In in vitro studies the drugs Furosemide and Levothyroxine caused elevated
master curve is adapted to the analyzer using the relevant CalSet. fT3 findings at the daily therapeutic dosage level.
Calibration frequency: Calibration must be performed once per reagent lot
using fresh reagent (i.e. not more than 24 hours since the reagent kit was

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FT3 III
FT3 - free triiodothyronine

In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to Elecsys 2010 and cobas e 411 analyzers
analyte‑specific antibodies, streptavidin or ruthenium can occur. These
effects are minimized by suitable test design. Repeatability Intermediate
precision
For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed in
conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination and other Sample Mean SD CV SD CV
findings. pmol/L pmol/L % pmol/L %
Limits and ranges HSb) 1 1.53 0.045 3.0 0.125 8.2
Measuring range
HS 2 3.64 0.083 2.3 0.133 3.6
0.4‑50 pmol/L (defined by the Limit of Blank and the maximum of the
master curve). Values below the Limit of Blank are reported as HS 3 6.43 0.129 2.0 0.199 3.1
< 0.4 pmol/L. Values above the measuring range are reported as HS 4 27.5 0.657 2.4 0.959 3.5
> 50 pmol/L.
HS 5 46.8 0.495 1.1 0.884 1.9
Lower limits of measurement
Limit of Blank (LoB), Limit of Detection (LoD) and Limit of Quantitation PC Uc)1 5.92 0.077 1.3 0.150 2.5
(LoQ) PC U2 24.1 0.492 2.0 0.713 3.0
Limit of Blank = 0.4 pmol/L
b) HS = human serum
Limit of Detection = 0.6 pmol/L c) PC = PreciControl Universal
Limit of Quantitation = 1.5 pmol/L with a total allowable error of ≤ 30 %
The Limit of Blank, Limit of Detection and Limit of Quantitation were MODULAR ANALYTICS E170, cobas e 601 and cobas e 602 analyzers
determined in accordance with the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Repeatability Intermediate
Institute) EP17‑A requirements. precision
The Limit of Blank is the 95th percentile value from n ≥ 60 measurements of Sample Mean SD CV SD CV
analyte‑free samples over several independent series. The Limit of Blank
corresponds to the concentration below which analyte‑free samples are pmol/L pmol/L % pmol/L %
found with a probability of 95 %. HS 1 1.33 0.086 6.5 0.096 7.2
The Limit of Detection is determined based on the Limit of Blank and the HS 2 3.49 0.107 3.1 0.113 3.2
standard deviation of low concentration samples. The Limit of Detection
corresponds to the lowest analyte concentration which can be detected HS 3 6.24 0.121 1.9 0.134 2.1
(value above the Limit of Blank with a probability of 95 %).
HS 4 27.3 0.367 1.3 0.442 1.6
The Limit of Quantitation is defined as the lowest amount of analyte in a
sample that can be accurately quantitated with a total allowable error of HS 5 46.0 0.640 1.4 0.855 1.9
≤ 30 %. PC U1 5.67 0.121 2.1 0.131 2.3
Dilution PC U2 23.4 0.349 1.5 0.455 1.9
Samples for fT3 determinations cannot be diluted, as T3 in the blood is
present in free and protein-bound forms which are in equilibrium. A change Method comparison
in the concentration of the binding proteins alters this equilibrium. A comparison of the Elecsys FT3 III assay (y) with the Elecsys FT3
Expected values assay (x) using clinical samples gave the following correlations:
Euthyroid: 3.1‑6.8 pmol/L (2.0‑4.4 pg/mL) Number of samples measured: 155
These values correspond to the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of results Passing/Bablok12 Linear regression
obtained from a total of 5366 healthy test subjects examined.
For detailed information about reference intervals in children, adolescents y = 1.05x - 0.233 y = 1.04x - 0.107
and pregnant women, refer to the brochure “Reference Intervals for τ = 0.943 r = 0.998
Children and Adults”, English:  04640292, German:  04625889.
The sample concentrations were between approx. 0.777 and 47.8 pmol/L.
This booklet also contains results of a detailed study about influencing
factors on thyroid parameters in a well characterized reference group of Analytical specificity
adults. Different inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied (e.g. The following cross-reactivities were found, tested with fT3 concentrations
sonographic results (thyroid volume and density) as well as criteria of approx. 4.61 pmol/L (3.00 pg/mL) and 11.4 pmol/L (7.44 pg/mL):
according to the guidelines of the National Academy of Clinical
Biochemistry - NACB). Cross-reactant Concentration tested Cross-reactivity
Each laboratory should investigate the transferability of the expected values pg/mL %
to its own patient population and if necessary determine its own reference L‑T4 300000 0.009
ranges.
D‑T4 625000 0.005
Specific performance data
Representative performance data on the analyzers are given below. rT3 10000000 0.0003
Results obtained in individual laboratories may differ. 3‑iodo‑L‑tyrosine 100000000 0.000
Precision 3,5‑diiodo‑L‑tyrosine 100000000 0.000
Precision was determined using Elecsys reagents, samples and controls in
a protocol (EP5‑A2) of the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards 3,3’,5‑triiodothyroacetic acid 6250 0.298
Institute): 2 runs per day in duplication each for 21 days (n = 84). The 3,3’,5,5’‑tetraiodothyroacetic 1000000 0.0001
following results were obtained: acid
References
1 Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, et al. Williams Textbook of
Endocrinology. Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia, 12th edition, 2011.
2 Robbins J, Rall JE. The interaction of thyroid hormones and protein in
biological fluids. Recent Prog Horm Res 1957;13:161-208.

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FT3 - free triiodothyronine

3 Robbins J, Rall JE. The iodine-containing hormones. In: Hormones in

Blood. Academic Press, London, 3rd edition, 1979.
4 Oppenheimer JH. Role of plasma proteins in the binding, distribution
and metabolism of the thyroid hormones. N Engl J Med
1968;278(21):1153-1162.
5 DeGroot LJ, Larsen PR, Hennemann G. Transport of thyroid hormone
and cell uptake. The thyroid and its diseases. Wiley and Sons, New
York, 1984:62-65.
6 Ekins RP. Measurement of free hormones in blood. Endocr Rev
1990;11(1):5-46.
7 Wu AHB. Tietz Clinical Guide To Laboratory Tests. Saunders Elsevier,
Philadelphia, 4th edition, 2006.
8 Brent GA. Thyroid Function Testing. Springer, Berlin, 1st edition, 2010.
9 Ekins RP, Ellis SM. The radioimmunoassay of free thyroid hormones in
serum. In Robbins J, Braverman LE (eds). Thyroid research,
Proceedings of the Seventh International Thyroid Conference, Boston.
Amsterdam, Excerpta Medica 1975:597.
10 Wada N, Chiba H, Shimizu C, et al. A novel missense mutation in
codon 218 of the albumin gene in a distinct phenotype of familial
dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia in a Japanese kindred. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab 1997;82(10):3246-3250.
11 Arevalo G. Prevalence of familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia in
serum samples received for thyroid testing. Clin Chem
1991;37(8):1430-1431.
12 Bablok W, Passing H, Bender R, et al. A general regression procedure
for method transformation. Application of linear regression procedures
for method comparison studies in clinical chemistry, Part III.
J Clin Chem Clin Biochem 1988 Nov;26(11):783-790.
For further information, please refer to the appropriate operator’s manual for
the analyzer concerned, the respective application sheets, the product
information and the Method Sheets of all necessary components (if
available in your country).
A point (period/stop) is always used in this Method Sheet as the decimal
separator to mark the border between the integral and the fractional parts of
a decimal numeral. Separators for thousands are not used.
Symbols
Roche Diagnostics uses the following symbols and signs in addition to
those listed in the ISO 15223‑1 standard.
Contents of kit
Analyzers/Instruments on which reagents can be used
Reagent
Calibrator
Volume after reconstitution or mixing

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trademark of Fresenius Kabi AB.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Significant additions or changes are indicated by a change bar in the margin.
© 2013, Roche Diagnostics

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