Abbott i-STAT 1 System Manual page 230

Storage
Refrigerated storage at 2-8 ºC (35-46 ºF) should be maintained until the printed expiration date on the
box and ampule labels.
TriControls solutions may also be maintained at room temperature (18-30 ºC; 64-86 ºF) for up to 5 days.
Do not use TriControls solutions past the labeled expiration date on the box and ampule labels.
Ampule Use
When using cartridges that contain sensors for pH, PCO
must be used for each cartridge being tested.
Do not use residual TriControls solution that may be in a syringe, ampule or capillary tube for additional
testing of cartridges that contain sensors for ionized calcium, pH, PCO
without these sensors may be tested with remaining fluids if that testing is performed within 10 minutes
of opening the ampule.
Best Results
For best results, ampules, cartridges and handhelds should be at the same temperature.
Before Use
i-STAT TriControls solutions require different temperature stabilization times depending on whether or not PO
is to be measured. If PO
2
use. If PO
is not being measured, equilibrate the ampule for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature.
2
Procedure
STEP
1
Access the Cal Ver option under Quality Tests in the Administration Menu.
Enter the required information. The handheld 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 a handheld – it is important
not to expose the solution to room air since this will alter the results.
Note: Since aqueous based solutions such as control materials lack the
buffering capability of whole blood, the transfer process from ampule
to cartridge must be more expedient than with a patient sample.
Transfer with Capillary Tube
Plain capillary tubes are recommended to transfer an aqueous calibration verification solution from the
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.
15-6
is to be measured, equilibrate the ampule to room temperature for 4 hours prior to
ACTION
Art: 714377-01O
, PO and ionized calcium, a separate ampule
2 2
, or PO
. However, cartridges
2 2
2
Rev. Date: 27-Jan-17