14
Using the Catalyst One
*
Analyzer
Analyzing Samples
There are four different work flows that can be used to analyze a sample on the Catalyst One*
analyzer:
•
Analyze Sample Button
—Use this work flow if you
do not have
a practice management
system connected to your IDEXX VetLab* Station via IDEXX SmartLink* or IDEXX InterLink*
technology.
•
Pending List
or
Census List
—Use one of these work flows if you
have
a practice
management system connected to your IDEXX VetLab Station via IDEXX SmartLink or IDEXX
InterLink technology. Using this work flow will save you time because you do not need to
enter the client and patient information into the IDEXX VetLab Station (since it has already
been entered into your practice management system).
•
Ready to Run
Icon
—Use this work flow if you initiated the sample run using one of the
other work flows, but the analyzer was busy at the time and the sample could not be run
immediately.
For more information on these work flows, see the
IDEXX VetLab Station Operator’s Guide
.
Slide Handling
The Catalyst One analyzer allows you to run up to 25 tests on a single sample. Before you begin,
please take note of the following:
• Frozen CLIPs/panels/slides can be run on the Catalyst One analyzer (no thawing required).
• Most CLIPs/slides should be loaded within 5 minutes of opening their foil packaging. The Lyte
4 CLIP should be loaded within 2 minutes of opening its foil packaging.
• If you are running a Lyte 4 CLIP, be sure to load it in the sample drawer before any other
CLIPs or slides.
Diluting Samples
Dilutions should only be performed when a test value is outside the reportable range or when the
sample contains interfering substances (e.g., medications) that cause a nonlinear or invalid result.
The Catalyst One analyzer supports automated dilutions (the analyzer mixes the sample and
diluent for you) and manual dilutions (you prepare the dilution outside of the analyzer). Select the
appropriate option on the Identify Sample screen.
Remember the following important notes when diluting samples for analysis on the Catalyst One
analyzer:
• Only dilute tests with results outside of the reportable range. Diluting tests with results in the
normal range may produce invalid results.
• All chemistries should be analyzed first on the undiluted sample. Some analytes, such as GGT
and total bilirubin, have low serum/plasma concentrations. These analytes may be diluted out
even with the lowest dilution. Dilute the remaining sample and analyze any chemistries that
were outside of the reportable range on the first analysis.
• Perform a dilution only when a test value is accompanied by a greater than symbol (>) or
dashes (---) on the patient report or when the analyzer informs you a dilution is necessary to
receive accurate results.
