Abbott i-STAT 1, System Manual

Page: 211 / 658

Art: 714376-00M Rev. Date: 31-Jan-12
14-17
CHECKING THE THERMAL PROBES IN THE i-STAT ANALYZERS
Verification for
Handheld Analyzers Verify the thermal probe check for the i-STAT Portable Clinical Analyzer and
i-STAT 1 Analyzer as follows:
• External Electronic Simulator used routinely and results transmitted
to a Central Data Station Version 4: On the CDS, click on System ,
then on Simulator Results . Look under the Delta column. Check
that there is a value equal to or less than 0.1 (
≤
0.1) listed for each
analyzer in use in the last 30 days. A value of “--.--” indicates that
the conditions to complete the thermal probe check were not met.
Use the procedure below to check any analyzer that does not have a
numeric value listed.
• External Electronic Simulator used routinely and results transmitted
to a Central Data Station Version 5: On the CDS, click on Data
Viewer , then on Simulator . Look under the Probe Delta column.
Check that there is a value equal to or less than 0.1 (
≤
0.1) listed for
each analyzer in use in the last 30 days. A value of “--.--” indicates
that the conditions to complete the thermal probe check were not
met. Use the procedure below to check any analyzer that does not
have a numeric value listed.
• External Electronic Simulator used routinely, results not transmitted
to a Central Data Station: Use the procedure below to check the
thermal probes on each analyzer every six months.
• Internal Electronic Simulator used routinely: Use the procedure
below to check the thermal probes on each analyzer twice a year.
Procedure for
Handheld Analyzers Check the thermal probes on the i-STAT Portable Clinical Analyzer and i-STAT 1
Analyzer as follows:
1. If the analyzer and simulator have been stored separately in areas
where the ambient temperature differs by more than 3°C (5°F), allow
the simulator and analyzer to stand in the same place, out of drafts,
for 30 minutes before inserting the simulator into the analyzer.
Handle the simulator as little as possible to maintain its thermal
uniformity and stability.
2. Insert the simulator into the analyzer.
3. When results are displayed, the difference between the thermal
probes can be viewed on the analyzer’s screen:
• Portable Clinical Analyzer: while holding down the DIS key, press
the 1 key.
• i-STAT 1 Analyzer: press the period key.
4. Interpretation of the thermal probe check value:
• Acceptable: a value equal to or less than 0.1 (
≤
0.1)
• Not acceptable: a FAIL message with a “t” Quality Check Code or
a value greater than 0.1. Repeat the procedure to confirm results.
Contact your Technical Support representative if the repeat thermal
check value is greater than 0.1.
• Repeat the procedure: if “--.--” is displayed. Take care to handle
the simulator a little as possible. It may help to partially insert the
simulator into the analyzer and let it stand for 15 minutes before
inserting all the way.