6. Open the Diluent vial by holding on the bottom fin of the vial and twisting off the
vial cap. You may lay the vial down as it will not leak unless squeezed.
7. Firmly apply a clean unused pipette tip onto the end of the pipette giving it a
slight twist to make sure there is an airtight seal.
8. Obtain a sample by means of a fingerstick. If you are performing a control test
pipette a control sample directly from the control bottle (see step 9).
Performing a fingerstick
a. Clean the desired finger with alcohol or soap and warm water and then dry
hands thoroughly before lancing the finger.
b. Position the lancet on the puncture area (side of a fingertip, away from any
calluses or scars.
c. Use the lancet as directed to puncture the skin.
d. Apply gentle, continuous pressure across the entire finger to form a hanging
drop, do not milk the finger (see step 9 for collection of the sample).
e. Hold a cotton ball or gauze firmly over the puncture site until the bleeding
stops.
f. Place a band aid over the puncture on the finger if desired.
9. Collect the Sample:
a. Push the plunger on the pipettor all the way down and hold it down as far as it
will go.
b. Holding the pipettor at an upright angle, gently place the pipette tip in the
finger stick blood drop. If you are testing controls place the pipette into the
liquid sample in the control bottle.
c. Release the plunger slowly, drawing up the sample. Be careful not to have an
air gap or bubble form. The blood should be solid red with no spaces or
bubbles. Collect a new sample if this occurs.
