Abbott i-STAT 1 System Manual page 198

i-STAT control solutions require different temperature stabilization times depending
Before Use
on whether or not oxygen is to be measured.
equilibrate the ampule for 4 hours. If not, equilibrate the ampule for approximately
30 minutes at room (ambient) temperature.
Procedure STEP
Transfer with Capillary Plain capillary tubes are recommended to transfer an aqueous control from the
Tube ampule to the cartridge. When using a capillary tube (fresh capillary tubes with
sufficient fill capacity are recommended), fill from the bottom of the ampule to
avoid drawing air into the capillary tube. Avoid drawing solution from the surface
by placing a finger over the far end of the tube as it is inserted into the ampule.
Once the open end of the tube rests at the bottom of the ampule, uncover the
other end to allow filling by capillary action.
Transfer with Syringe Plain syringes are recommended to transfer an aqueous control from the ampule
to the cartridge. When using a syringe (fresh 1cc or 3cc sterile syringe with
16 - 20 gauge needles are recommended), slowly draw approximately 1mL of
solution from the bottom of the ampule.
If air is trapped between the leading edge of the solution and the plunger, do not
invert the syringe to expel it; this will not affect solution near the tip of the syringe.
If air bubbles are continually drawn into the syringe, or if a bubble is trapped near the
tip of the syringe, discard the ampule and syringe and use a fresh ampule and syringe.
Expel one or two drops from the syringe before filling the cartridge.
Target Values Target values (determined by testing multiple ampules of each level using multiple
lots of cartridges and i-STAT analyzers that have passed the Electronic Simulator
test) are printed on a value assignment sheet posted on the APOC website at
www.pointofcare.abbott.
Always be sure that the lot number printed on the insert matches the lot number
on the label of the ampule in use, and that the software revision above the target
value table matches the software revision in the analyzer.
14-4
1 Access the i-STAT Cartridge Control option under Quality Tests in the
Administration Menu. Enter the required information. The analyzer
allows 15 minutes (or the customized timeout) to insert the cartridge
after the last data entry.
2 Immediately before use, shake the ampule vigorously for 5 to 10
seconds to equilibrate the liquid and gas phases.
To shake, hold the ampule at the tip and bottom with forefinger and
thumb to minimize increasing the temperature of the solution. If
necessary, tap the tip of the ampule to send solution back into the
bottom section of the ampule.
3 Protect fingers with gauze, tissue or glove, or use an ampule breaker
to snap off the tip of the ampule at the neck.
4 Immediately transfer the solution from the ampule into a capillary tube
or syringe, and then immediately transfer the solution into a cartridge.
5 Immediately seal the cartridge and insert it into an analyzer – it is
important not to expose the solution to room air since this will alter the
results. Note: Since aqueous based solutions such as controls lack the
buffering capabilities of whole blood, the transfer process from ampule
to cartridge must be more expedient than with a patient sample.
Art: 714376-01P
If oxygen is to be measured,
ACTION
Rev. Date: 27-Jan-17