Collecting Patient Samples; Collecting Samples; Using Anticoagulants - Siemens Rapidlab 1200 Operator's Manual

Rapidlab 1200 Operator's Guide: Operating the System

Collecting Patient Samples

This section describes sample requirements, collection procedures, and handling
techniques for pH and blood gas. The sample collection and handling guidelines
described here are also suitable for CO-ox analysis.

Collecting Samples

Collect blood samples under proper medical supervision when selecting a site and
performing the collection procedure. Use sterile technique at all times to avoid
infecting the sample site.
Immediately expel any bubbles that occurred during the sample collection. Cap
the sample device immediately after you collect the sample to avoid room air
contamination. When you collect samples with a capillary tube, fill the capillary
tube completely, cap it securely, and mix the sample thoroughly.
CAUTION:
may alter sample values and damage the system.
Collect blood in heparinized syringes that satisfy requirements for blood gas
analysis. Use capillary tubes that contain the appropriate balanced heparin.
NOTE:
that do not contain mixing beads.

Using Anticoagulants

For human whole blood samples, use sample devices containing only
calcium-titrated (balanced) heparin or lithium heparin as the anticoagulant.
NOTE:
significantly affect blood pH, sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium
results, and CO-ox results. For more information about substances that interfere
with analyte measurement, refer to Performance Characteristics‚ page E-11.
If you are analyzing samples for ionized calcium, you can use a maximum of 15
units of lithium heparin for each 1.0 mL of sample. If you are not analyzing
samples for ionized calcium, you can use up to 50 units of lithium heparin for
each 1.0 mL of sample.
1 For more information about collecting and handling patient samples, refer to Clinical and Laboratory Standards
Institute. Blood Gas and pH analysis and Related Measurements: Approved Guideline; CLSI Document C46-A;
(Vol. 21, No. 14); 2001.
Never use mineral oil or mercury in syringes because these substances
To prevent hemolysis and maintain sample integrity, use capillary tubes
Other anticoagulants, such as EDTA, citrate, oxalate, and fluoride
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