Abbott i-STAT Alinity Operation Manual page 128

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• Not all cartridges are available in all regions. Check with your local representative for
availability in specific markets.
Contact pads
The contact pads conduct the signals generated by the sensors to the instrument. In order for these to
function properly, care must be exercised not to contaminate the contact pads during cartridge handling.
Sensors
The sensors are electrodes microfabricated on silicon chips located within the cartridge. Electrodes have
chemically sensitive coatings such as ion-selective membranes and enzyme layers. Each sensor is
connected to a contact pad by a signal line. The sensors respond to the calibrant solution and the sample
by producing measurable signals related to analyte concentration.
Sensor Channel
The sensor channel directs the sample from the sample chamber to the sensors. An extension of this
channel becomes a waste chamber to receive the calibrant solution as it is displaced by the sample.
Air Chamber
An air chamber is located in blood gas/electrolyte/chemistry/hematocrit cartridges between the sample
chamber and sensor channel. This creates an air segment between the calibrant solution, if applicable,
and the sample to prevent the two from mixing. The size of the air segment is monitored by the
instrument.
Calibrant Pack
During the first part of the testing cycle, the calibrant solution is automatically released from the foil
pack and is positioned over the sensors. The foil pack may be pierced with improper cartridge handling.
If fluid is released prematurely, a Quality Check Failure may occur.
Fill To
The blue arrow on the white label cartridge and the clear arrow on the blue cover cartridge is intended
to help the operator fill the cartridge correctly. Samples that fall above or below the indicated level may
result in a Quality Check Failure.
Sample Chamber
The sample chamber includes the sample well and the channel leading from the well up to the fill mark.
When filled, the sample chamber contains sufficient sample for testing. Sample volume and placement
are monitored by the instrument.
Bladder
The bladder is connected to the sample well. The instrument presses on the bladder to displace calibrant
solution from the sensors, to move the sample from the sample chamber to the sensors, or to mix
sample and reagents.
Sample Well
The area on the cartridge where the sample is introduced into the sample chamber.
Rev. Date: 02-Nov-2022
i-STAT Alinity — System Operations Manual Art: 745524-01 Rev. I