OPTIMedical OPTI CCA-TS, Operator'S Manual, Page: 90 / 271

Operator’s Manual – OPTI CCA-TS 5-1
5 SAMPLE HANDLING AND PATIENT TESTING
5 SAMPLE HANDLING AND PATIENT TESTING
The OPTI ™ CCA-TS Analyzer provides fast and convenient measurement of pH, P CO
2,
P O
2
,
Na
+
, K
+
, Ca
++
, Cl
-
, Glu, BUN (urea), Lac, tHb and S O
2
in whole blood, and pH, Na
+
, K
+
, Ca
++
, Cl
-
,
Glu and BUN (urea) in serum and plasma.
The analyzer will accept specimens directly from most syringes, capillary tubes and the OPTI
Medical ComfortSampler ™ through the fillport on the OPTI Cassette.
NOTE: Always follow proper safety procedures when handling biological
samples.
5.1 Specimen Collection and Handling
5.1.1 Safety
Universal precautions must be observed when collecting blood specimens. It is recommended
that all blood specimens be handled as if capable of transmitting human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or other bloodborne pathogens. Proper blood collection
techniques must be followed in order to minimize risk to the laboratory staff, and gloves should
be worn. Please refer to CLSI document M29-A3, Protection of Laboratory Workers from
Occupationally Acquired Infections, Approved Guideline - Third Edition; March 2005, for further
information on safe handling of these specimens.
5.1.2 Sample Requirements
Refer to CLSI document H11-A4, Procedures for the Collection of Arterial Blood Specimens;
Approved Standard - Fourth Edition; September 2004, for detailed information on sample
collection, storage and handling.
Blood sampling for analysis must be performed under proper medical supervision with details
of collection, including sampling devices, site selection, sample handling documentation and
specific procedures used approved by the personnel responsible.
5.1.3 Anticoagulants and Sample Collection Devices
Lithium heparin is the only acceptable anticoagulant for blood gas and electrolyte analysis.
Lithium heparin, sodium heparin or balanced heparin salts are the only acceptable anticoagulants
for blood gas analysis. Other anticoagulants such as EDTA, citrate, oxylate and fluoride have
a significant effect on blood pH and electrolyte levels and should not be used. Lithium heparin
should not be used for samples taken also for analysis of lithium.