Abbott i-STAT 1, System Manual

Page: 198 / 658

14-4
Art: 714376-00M Rev. Date: 31-Jan-12
Ampule Use When using cartridges that contain sensors for pH,
PC
O
2
,
P
O
2
and ionized
calcium, a separate ampule must be used for each cartridge being tested.
Do not use the solution left in a syringe, ampule or capillary tube for additional
testing of cartridges that contain sensors for ionized calcium, pH, PC O
2
, or P O
2
.
However, cartridges without these sensors may be tested with remaining fluids
if within 10 minutes of opening the ampule.
Procedure STEP ACTION
1 Access the i-STAT Cartridge Control option under Quality Tests in
the Administration Menu. Enter the required information. The
analyzer allows 15 minutes (or the customized timeout) to insert
the cartridge after the last data entry.
2 Immediately before use, shake the ampule vigorously for 5 to 10
seconds to equilibrate the liquid and gas phases.
To shake, hold the ampule at the tip and bottom with forefinger
and thumb to minimize increasing the temperature of the solution.
If necessary, tap the tip of the ampule to send solution back into
the bottom section of the ampule.
3 Protect fingers with gauze, tissue or glove, or use an ampule breaker
to snap off the tip of the ampule at the neck.
4 Immediately transfer the solution from the ampule into a capillary
tube or syringe, and then immediately transfer the solution into a
cartridge.
5 Immediately seal the cartridge and insert it into an analyzer – it is
important not to expose the solution to room air since this will alter
the results. Note: Since aqueous based solutions such as controls
lack the buffering capabilities of whole blood, the transfer process
from ampule to cartridge must be more expedient than with a
patient sample.
Before Use i-STAT control solutions require different temperature stabilization times
depending on whether or not oxygen is to be measured. If oxygen is to be
measured, equilibrate the ampule for 4 hours. If not, equilibrate the ampule
for approximately 30 minutes at room (ambient) temperature.
Transfer with Syringe
Plain syringes are recommended to transfer an aqueous control from the ampule
to the cartridge. When using a syringe (fresh 1cc or 3cc sterile syringe with
16 - 20 gauge needles are recommended), slowly draw approximately 1mL of
solution from the bottom of the ampule.
If air is trapped between the leading edge of the solution and the plunger, do
not invert the syringe to expel it; this will not affect solution near the tip of
the syringe.
If air bubbles are continually drawn into the syringe, or if a bubble is trapped
near the tip of the syringe, discard the ampule and syringe and use a fresh
ampule and syringe.
Expel one or two drops from the syringe before filling the cartridge.
Transfer with Capillary
Tube Plain capillary tubes are recommended to transfer an aqueous control from the
ampule to the cartridge. When using a capillary tube (fresh capillary tubes with
sufficient fill capacity are recommended), fill from the bottom of the ampule
to avoid drawing air into the capillary tube. Avoid drawing solution from the
surface by placing a finger over the far end of the tube as it is inserted into the
ampule. Once the open end of the tube rests at the bottom of the ampule,
uncover the other end to allow filling by capillary action.