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The blood sample transferred to the test strip must be a
minimum of 10 µL in
volume. Low sample volume may
cause an error message.
Use only fresh fingerstick capillary blood for testing. The
blood should only come in contact with the products
provided with the Coag-Sense PT/INR system. Other
products may have anti-coagulant agents on their surfaces
and result in unreliable test results.
Squeezing the fingerstick site excessively (milking) releases
interstitial “tissue layer” fluid that can cause unreliable
results.
The fingerstick site can be washed with warm water and
soap, and then completely dried. The site must be clean of
all hand oils/lotions and foreign matter, which may cause
unreliable results.
If Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) wipes are used, wipe the
fingerstick site with a gauze pad and make sure the site
is completely dry. If any alcohol remains (or is re-
introduced) on the finger, it may cause unreliable
results.
The quality of fingerstick and the sample delivery
technique are important to the test results.
If there is a
question about the sample or sample collection, obtain
a new strip, repeat the fingerstick on a different finger,
and test again.
If you need to repeat a test, use a different finger for the
fingerstick, since blood may have started to clot on the first
finger, which may cause unreliable results.
If there is a bubble or an air pocket showing in the blood
sample in the collection tube, start the test over. Use a new
fingerstick (using a different finger and collection tube) or
results may be unreliable.
Meter
