Receiving A New Shipment Of Cartridges; Precautions And Limitations - Abbott i-STAT Alinity Operation Manual

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Receiving a New Shipment of Cartridges

i‑STAT Alinity quality system includes these steps whenever a new shipment of cartridges is received:
1. Check Temperature Strip for a New Shipment of Cartridges
Verify that the transit temperatures were satisfactory by reading the temperature strip included in
each shipping container.
2. Ensure Proper Cartridge Storage according to these criteria:
• Refrigerator storage conditions for stored cartridges range from 2 to 8ºC (35 to 46ºF).
• Cartridges are not exposed to temperatures exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
• Cartridges are not used after the expiration date printed on the individual pouch and box.
• Cartridges are not outside the refrigerator for longer than the time frame indicated on the
cartridge box.
• A cartridge is used immediately after it is removed from its pouch.
• A cartridge taken from refrigerated storage is allowed to stand in its pouch at room temperature
for 5 minutes before use, or that a box of pouched cartridges stands at room temperature for one
hour before use.

Precautions and Limitations

Although cartridges are not fragile, they consist of sensors and other sensitive components that will alter
the test results, or generate Quality Check Failure Codes (QCF) codes, if they are not properly filled and
handled.
DO:
• dispose of the cartridge in a container for biohazardous waste, in accordance with your facility's
policies and with local, state, and national regulatory guidelines.
• keep the cartridge and the instrument at the temperature of the room where they are to be used.
Condensation on a cold cartridge can prevent proper contact with the instrument.
DO NOT:
• use a cartridge if either the refrigerated or room temperature dates have passed. Refer to the
Cartridge Box
• remove a cartridge from its protective pouch until it is at room temperature 18 to 30ºC (or 64 to
86ºF).
• return cartridges to the refrigerator after bringing them to room temperature.
• expose cartridges to temperatures above 30ºC (86ºF).
• use a cartridge that is expired or that shows signs of damage.
• use a cartridge if the foil pouch or clear plastic portion pack has been punctured.
• apply pressure to the central area of the label because the calibrant pack inside could burst
prematurely.
• place the cartridges in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
• touch the sensors on the top of the cartridge.
• use a cartridge onto which blood or any other fluid has spilled. Avoid filling cartridges on surfaces
where the cartridge could pick up fibers, fluid, debris, or other materials that could lodge in the
instrument.
• attempt to remove the cartridge while the message Cartridge Locked in instrument.
Do not attempt to remove the cartridge. remains on the screen.
i-STAT Alinity — System Operations Manual
Information.
Art: 745524-01 Rev. I
Rev. Date: 02-Nov-2022