Abaxis VetScan HM5, Operator'S Manual

Page: 59 / 164

Quality Control and Calibration 5-9
5. When analysis is complete, the analyzer displays the results.
6. Abaxis recommends performing at least two control runs:

If the values reported are in range, the analyzer is functioning properly and calibration is
not necessary.

If any value is consistently out of range, refer to the next section, “What to Do If QC
Values Are Out of Range,” or contact Abaxis Technical Support.

A third QC run may be performed if the results of the first two QC runs are conflicting
(meaning one is out of range while the other is not, or if the results are widely different
from each other).
5.1.5 What to Do If QC Values Are Out of Range
Values to focus on during QC runs are RBC, MCV, RDWc, PLT, MPV, HGB, WBC and EOS. All
other values are calculated using these eight parameters. Certain values such as PDWs and BAS do
not have ranges so may always report as out of range because of the lack of target and range data.

If there are any Warning flags, refer to the “Troubleshooting,” section of this manual to
resolve the cause of the Warning.

If the RDWc value is two or more points above the target value, discard the control and
order a new one as this indicates it has frozen or been exposed to too much heat.

If all values which are counted (RBC, WBC, PLT, HGB and EOS) are all low, run Soak
Cleaning then rerun the QC sample.

If MCV is high or low, run a Soak Cleaning ( see “Soak Cleaning” on page 6-6 ) then run
the QC sample again.
Note: Any values out of range are highlighted in red,
along with a plus or minus sign.
Note: There are many reasons why QC values may be out of range so
stop to investigate the cause before calibrating the analyzer. Cal-
ibration is rarely needed. Most QC out of range issues are
related to the cleanliness of the analyzer and/or the storage or
shipping conditions of the control.