Abbott i-STAT 1, System Manual

Page: 172 / 658

10-6 Art: 714372-00L Rev. Date: 30-Jul-12
Mix
Mix blood (whether anticoagulated or not) by rolling between the palms for
at least 5 seconds, each in two different directions. Then invert the syringe
repeatedly for at least 5 seconds. Discard the first 2 drops of blood.
Exposure to Air
Avoid or remove immediately any air drawn into the syringe and maintain
anaerobic conditions.
Time to Test For the most accurate results, test samples immediately after draw. Samples
for lactate must be tested immediately. Samples for pH,
P CO
2
, P O
2
, TCO
2
,
and ionized calcium should be tested within 10 minutes. Other analytes
should be tested within 30 minutes.
If testing is not immediate, remix the syringe by rolling between the palms for
5 seconds each in two different directions, then invert the syringe repeatedly
for at least 5 seconds, then discard the first two drops of blood. Blood in the
tip of the syringe may have been exposed to air and may not be homogenous
with the sample in the barrel of the syringe. Note that it may be difficult to
properly remix a sample in a 1.0 cc syringe.
Sample on Ice Fill the cartridge before icing the sample for transport. Icing will increase
the potassium and will affect oxygen levels in samples collected in plastic
syringes.
ARTERIAL PUNCTURE - ACT TESTS
Blood Flow Collection technique resulting in good blood flow must be used. Inadequate
blood flow may produce erroneous results.
Plastic The sample for testing should be drawn into a plastic collection device
(syringe or blood collection tube) containing no anticoagulant.
Samples collected into glass tubes or syringes, or in tubes containing
anticoagulants, cannot be used with the i-STAT coagulation cartridges.
Note: CLSI guidelines recommend the sample for coagulation testing be the
second or third tube drawn when using a blood collection system (use
a discard tube if this is the only sample being drawn) or be taken from
the second syringe if a double syringe technique is used for drawing
blood.
Time to Test The sample must be immediately dispensed into the sample well of the
cartridge and the cartridge must be inserted immediately into an analyzer.
Repeat Test If a repeat measurement is needed, a fresh sample must be obtained.