Abbott i-STAT 1 System Manual page 191

TROUBLESHOOTING
Warning Message If testing is disabled due to warning message, the condition must be corrected
and the analyzer must be turned off and back on again before testing is enabled.
Message and Quality See Troubleshooting section.
Check Code
*** Instead of Results Stars appear in place of results if the analyzer detects that the sensor's signal
is uncharacteristic. Since the sensor check is part of the i-STAT quality system,
an occassional result will be flagged due to a bad sensor. Other causes of this
flag are improperly stored cartridges or an interfering substance in the patient's
sample, either extrinsic, such as the wrong anticoagulant, or intrinsic, such as
medication. Also, aged samples may contain products of metabolism that can
interfere with the tests.
Unexpected Results When results do not reflect the patient's condition, repeat the test using a fresh
cartridge and sample. If results are still suspect, test the lot of cartridges in
use with i-STAT control solutions. If the controls are in range, there may be an
interfering substance in the sample. Check the Cartridge and Test Information
sheets for the test in question. Test by another method to verify the result. If the
controls are out of range there may be a problem with the lot of cartridges being
used. Use another lot number or repeat the test using another method, and
contact your support representative. (Refer to Support Services information in
the Technical Bulletin section.)
Art: 714374-01M
• If the specimen's integrity is not in question, the results that are not
suppressed should be reported in the usual manner.
• Check the supply of cartridges in use with a control solution.
• If the control is in range, draw a fresh sample from the patient and
retest.
• If the stars appear in place of results again, there may be an interfering
substance. Refer to the Cartridge and Test Information section for a list
of interfering substances. Test the sample using another method.
• If the control is out-of-range or if stars are displayed in place of results,
there may be a problem with the lot of cartridges being used. Use
another lot number or repeat the test using another method, and contact
your support representative. (Refer to Support Services information in
the Technical Bulletin section.)
Rev. Date: 23-Feb-16
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