C-Trak ® Quick Reference For Surgical Use - CareWise C-Trak Apollo User Manual

1.3 C-Trak Quick Reference for Surgical Use
®
Before use the system should be calibrated using
the supplied test source. (See page 12)
To calibrate the system
This should be performed each day, before surgery.
The system should be properly connected up and
allowed to run for 5 minutes to warm up.
1. On the system test main
screen, ensure that the
correct probe is selected
(choose 'select probe').
Note: Not using the
correct probe will result
in the system storing the
calibration data against
the wrong probe's serial number, so please select
the correct probe from the list, or add a new one
if your probe is not in the list.
2. Using the supplied radioactive source
holder with the correct source inside
(<2 years old for Co-57), insert the
probe fully into the source holder
until it reaches the end.
3. On the system test menu screen choose 'perform
system test'. Follow the instructions given on the
screen to perform the system test (calibration).
4. Upon successful completion, (if no errors have
shown) the system is now ready for use.
Note: Ensure the probe and source holder are not moved
during the test. If the probe or source is moved during
the test, please repeat the test again.
C-Trak Apollo Count Screen
®
1. Ensure that the Apollo Analyzer is securely attached to
the stand. Check that the power cable and probe cable
are free of any nicks, cuts, exposed wires or damaged
connectors. Ensure that the power box is on. Connect
probe, and then turn the Apollo power on, as in steps
1-3 in Section 1.2 If not using the wired probe connection,
ensure that an Apollo wireless handset has been connected,
powered on and connected in the software.
2. Ensure that:
a. The probe connected to the analyzer is
the probe listed on the Count Screen
[Image bottom left on this page].
b. The Isotope shown on the Count Screen
is the isotope that will be used.
3. Set RANGE at desired setting based on the expected
level of activity. A range of 0-100 is often preferred
for the initial survey [Figure 1].
4. Check VOLUME setting to ensure a
comfortable level [Figure 1].
5. Take background test [Section 4.2] to ensure
probe is free of contamination.
6. Use the probe to locate the area of greatest radiation
uptake of clinical interest before making the first incision.
7. In sentinel node procedures, always remain conscious of
the location of the injection site in order to differentiate
between very high levels of radiation coming from the
injection site and radiation coming from the desired tissue;
e.g., sentinel lymph node itself. It can be helpful to mark
the patient's skin to show the boundary of the very high
level radiation coming from tissue immediately
surrounding the injection site.
8. Move the probe slowly and avoid jerky movements.
With experience the user will develop a 'feel' for
the appropriate speed.
9. Detected count rates drop with the square of the distance
from tissue being viewed. Stay very close to the tissue
plane. While performing the initial survey, be careful not
to push the probe into the skin while moving it, as this
will also move the skin relative to the lymphatics.
The 5µCi Co-57 check source should be replaced every
18-24 months. Na-22 check source should be replaced
every 5 years. Check sources may be purchased through
Care Wise or your Care Wise distributor. See Product List,
Appendix F, for Product Codes.
Call Care Wise on +1-813-626-6848 (US & Canada)
+44 (0)1273 497600 (Europe & Worldwide) with any inquiry.
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