ABX Pentra 80 RAB108EA, User Manual

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Pentra 80
4–24
Pentra 80 - User Manual - RAB108EA
3. Sample collection & mixing
All blood samples should be collected using proper technique!
Consider all Specimens, Reagents, Calibrators, Controls, etc… that contain human
blood or serum as potentially infectious! Use established, good laboratory working
practices when handling specimens. Wear protective gear, Gloves, Lab coats, Safety
glasses and/or Face shields, and follow other bio-safety practices as specified in
OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Rule (29 CFR part 1910. 1030) or equivalent bio-safe-
ty procedures.
When collecting blood specimens, Venous blood is recommended, but Arterial blood may also
be used in extreme cases. Blood collection must be placed in a Vacuum or atmospheric col-
lection tubes.
For additional information on collecting venous and capillary blood samples, refer to NCCLS
document H3-A4 and NCCLS document H4-A4 (sept 1999).
The sample collection tube has to be filled to the exact quantity of blood indicated on the
tube itself. Any incorrectly measured blood sample collections will show a possible variation
in the results.
3.1. Recommended anticoagulant
The recommended anticoagulant is K3EDTA with the proper proportion of blood to anticoag-
ulant as specified by the tube manufacturer.
K2EDTA is an acceptable alternative, as long as the sample collection is made in normal con-
ditions. Otherwise, blood clots may be possible.
3.2. Blood sample stability
Specimens may be used between 15/20 minutes after collection. The results on all parameters
depend on the mode of conservation of the sample.
Depending on the parameter to be measured, the sample stability may be upto 48 hours.
Refer to Section 8, 3. Summary of performance data* , page 8-7.
3.3. Microsampling
The «Open tube» sampling mode enables the user to work with 100µl microsamples (for pe-
diatrics and geriatrics).
3.4. Mixing
The cap piercing mode performs an automatic pre-mixing cycle by rotation which lasts ap-
proximately 1 minute.
For the open tube mode, blood samples must be gently and thoroughly mixed just before plac-
ing them into the tube holder and closing the tube holder door. This will ensure a
homogeneous mixture for measurement.