Storage for individually packaged cuvettes
The microcuvettes are to be stored at room temperature (15–30 °C, 59–86 °F) and
in a dry place.
Specimen collection and preparation
Capillary, venous or arterial blood may be used. Appropriate anticoagulants (e.g.
EDTA or heparin) may be used, preferably in solid form to avoid dilutional effects.
Mix all specimen tubes thoroughly on a mechanical mixer for at least 2 minutes or
invert the tube 8-10 times by hand. Hemoglobin remains unchanged for days, pro-
vided that the blood does not become infected. If the specimen has been stored in
a refrigerator, it will be viscid and should reach room temperature before mixing
2
.
Directions for use
Materials required
•
HemoCue Hb 201 Analyzer
•
HemoCue Hb 201 Microcuvettes
•
Lancet (for capillary samples)
•
Pipette or other transfer device
(for venous, arterial or control material samples)
•
Lint-free wipe (non-fraying)
•
Hydrophobic surface
(for venous, arterial or control material samples)
Procedure
The operating temperature of the HemoCue Hb 201 system is 15-30 °C (59-86 °F).
Please read the Operating Manual for proper use of the system
1
. See relevant manu-
al for information on repeat capillary sampling. For further information please con-
tact HemoCue.
1. Optical eye
2. Filling end
Remove the microcuvette from the package. Close the vial. Hold the
microcuvette opposite the filling end and bring into contact with the
specimen, allowing the cavity to fill completely. Always avoid touching
the optical eye. Do not refill the cavity of the microcuvette. Note: The
microcuvette should be filled whitin 3 minutes after the microcuvette
has been taken out of its package.
When collection tubes or control material are used, dispense an aliquot
of the well-mixed specimen onto a hydrophobic surface. Note: The
microcuvette should be filled whitin 3 minutes after the microcuvette
has been taken out of its package.
Wipe off the outside of the microcuvette with a clean lint-free wipe,
being careful not to touch the open end. If air bubbles are seen in the
optical eye of the microcuvette, discard the microcuvette and take a new
sample. Small air bubbles around the edge do not influence the result.
Place the microcuvette into the cuvette holder and start measurement
as soon as possible but no later than 10 minutes after filling the micro-
cuvette by gently pushing the cuvette holder to its measuring position.
Close the cuvette holder. The measuring time is 15-60 seconds for Hb
values below 20 g/dL. Pull the cuvette holder out to its loading posi-
tion and discard the used microcuvette.
Quality control
The HemoCue Hb 201 Analyzer has an internal electronic selftest. Every time the
analyzer is turned on, it will automatically verify the measurement performance.
This test is performed at regular intervals if the analyzer remains switched on.
Follow local guidelines regarding quality control procedures. If a quality control
test is required by local or other regulations and therefore should be performed,
only use controls recommended by HemoCue. For further information regarding
controls contact HemoCue AB.