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We evaluated a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on a non-competitive "sandwich principle" method (Abbott Laboratories). The serum sample is treated with an acid buffer and the supernate is incubated with an anti-CEA coated polystyrene bead. After washing, the bead is incubated with an anti-CEA/peroxidase conjugate. After a second washing, the activity of the enzyme bound to the solid phase is assayed after addition of a chromogenic substrate. This activity is proportional to the concentration of CEA in the serum sample. The characteristics of the assay are: (a) good sensitivity (around 0.25 microgram/L) and (b) satisfactory reproducibility (CV < 11% within assay). There is little cross reactivity between CEA and molecules such as nonspecific cross-reacting antigens that are known for their high potential of cross reactivity. No nonspecific interference was encountered with anti-globulin factors. We compared results with this enzyme immunoassay kit with those by a radioimmunoassay provided by the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique. The correlation (r) was 0.95 (p < 0.001). The distribution of CEA values obtained for 1020 normal subjects is given. We conclude that the kit provides a simple and reliable procedure.

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