22
Sample Preparation and Storage
Proper Sample Cup Volume
The volume of plasma, serum, or urine sample required varies based on the number of slides being
used in the run:
Number of slides
Sample cup fill volume (µL)
1
60
2
70
3
80
4
90
5
100
6
110
7
120
8
130
9
190
10
200
11
210
12
220
13
230
14
240
15
250
16
260
17
270
18
280
Sample Inspection After Centrifugation
It is good practice to examine the sample carefully following centrifugation in a centrifuge
and/or in the analyzer (by running a whole blood separator). If fibrin strands can be seen in the
sample, they may interfere with sample pipetting. It may be necessary to rim the serum/plasma with
a wooden stick, respin the sample, and proceed.
Various conditions, such as hemolysis, may affect results. You might also want to modify your test
panel based on the following visual observations. Refer to the “Chemistry Descriptions” section on
pages 30–51 for information about how each condition may affect specific chemistries.
Note:
We recommend that after you have centrifuged a sample in a Catalyst whole blood separator
that you inspect the sample for the conditions listed above.
Hemolysis
Visual:
Sample has a transparent reddish hue ranging from pale pink to deep red.
Indications:
Damage to red blood cells during sample preparation or intravascular
hemolysis.
Icterus
Visual:
Plasma has a transparent yellow to opaque brown color.
Indications:
Obstructive or toxic liver disease, intravascular hemolysis.
