We demonstrate the functionality of a new chemistry cartridge for the GEM Premier 4000 analyzer (Instrumentation Laboratory, Lexington, Mass), in particular the performance of new electrochemical sensors for creatinine, urea (or blood urea nitrogen), and measured bicarbonate (HCO 3 j ). The new sensors are included in the current GEM Premier 4000 sensor card platform, installed in a GEM Premier 4000 cartridge pack. The cartridge contains all components needed for sample analysis, including sensors, sampler, pump tubing, distribution valve, waste container, and bagged reagents. Quality control of the system is automatically handled by Intelligent Quality Management of GEM Premier 4000 that eliminates the need for running daily controls and monitors the sensor functionality in real time and triggers appropriate corrective actions.The chemistry cartridge will report measurement of electrolytes (Na + , Ca ++ , K + , and Cl j ), glucose, lactate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and HCO 3 j from 150 HL of whole blood, improving the current chemistry methods that involve centrifugation of the sample. Expected cartridge capacity is analysis of up to 450 samples over a 3-week period.The objective of the development of the chemistry cartridge is to provide the customer a fast and reliable measurement of the critical chemistry analytes in whole blood, including screening for renal disease in point-of-care environments.The analytical performance of the new sensors was demonstrated in GEM Premier 4000 analyzers. During the current study, we focused on the performance of the new sensors: creatinine, urea, and measured HCO 3 j .
