OPTIMedical OPTI CCA-TS, Operator'S Manual, Page: 91 / 271

5-2 Operator’s Manual – OPTI CCA-TS
5 SAMPLE HANDLING AND PATIENT TESTING
5.1.4 Syringes
If liquid heparin is used as an anticoagulant, collection devices should be no larger than the
amount of blood required to minimize the effects of dilution of the blood by the anticoagulant
solution. Although plastic syringes are commonly used for collection of blood specimens for
blood gas analysis, there have been reports in literature regarding the use of plastic syringes when
P
O
2
values higher than normal are expected.
Particular attention should be paid to cooling blood samples in ice water, because of the CO
2
and oxygen solubility in some plastics. If blood specimens are expected to have very high P O
2
values, care should be taken to analyze the specimen as quickly as possible following collection
to avoid the need for cooling.
Attention should be paid to thorough mixing of whole blood samples prior to analysis, since
sedimentation of blood cells affects the measurement of total hemoglobin.
5.1.5 Capillary Tubes
Capillary blood specimens should be collected using capillary tubes which have a minimum
volume, filled, of 125 µL. The OPTI Medical capillary tubes (MC0024) are ideally suited with
a minimum volume, filled, of 200 µL. The capillary tubes for pH, blood gas, and electrolyte
analysis should not be used for samples taken for the analysis of lithium.
Samples may be collected in capillary tubes after warming the area or otherwise stimulating it to
promote arterial circulation before the puncture. The puncture should be made deeply enough to
ensure a free and rapid flow of blood.
Do not use clay-capped capillary tubes as the rough, broken edge left when the capillary is cut
may cause damage to the OPTI cassette fill port. Use only capillary tubes with fire-polished ends
to prevent damage to the cassette. If a mixing flea is used, as required in some capillary tubes,
take care to remove the flea prior to sample introduction to avoid damage to the cassette.
Specimens collected in capillary tubes are stable at room temperature for up to 30 minutes after
collection because of the rapid cooling of the sample accomplished during filling.
Cooled samples provide relevant glucose values for up to 30 minutes, uncooled samples for up to
10 minutes. Serum must be separated within these time limits.
5.1.6 OPTI Medical ComfortSamplers
™
Blood may be collected for analysis on the OPTI CCA-TS with the OPTI Medical
ComfortSampler to provide a filled shielded capillary tube.
After collection, the ComfortSampler should be capped and transported in a horizontal position to
the instrument for analysis within 30 minutes, as with all specimens collected in capillary tubes.
Cooled samples provide relevant glucose values for up to 30 minutes, uncooled samples for up to
10 minutes. Serum must be separated within these time limits.