Bayer HealthCare Rapidlab 800 - Manual (Page 58)

1Ć36 Rapidlab 800 Operator's Manual
Capillary Tubes
CAUTION: Do not use clay-capped capillary tubes because the cut edges of a
capillary tube can damage the sample port. Use only fire-polished capillary tubes
to prevent damage to the sample port.
NOTE: To prevent hemolysis and maintain sample integrity,
Bayer Diagnostics recommends using capillary tubes that do not contain mixing
fleas.
Collect capillary blood using capillary tubes that contain the appropriate balanced
heparin, such as Bayer Diagnostics Multicap balanced heparin capillary tubes.
Take appropriate precautions to minimize hemolysis, because hemolysis falsely
elevates potassium levels.
When you collect samples with a capillary tube, anticipate some sample loss due to
clotting and capping. Fill the capillary tubes completely and mix the samples
thoroughly.
Vacuum Tube Collection Systems
Collect venous blood using vacuum tubes containing lithium heparin. Fill the tubes
completely and mix the sample by gently inverting the tubes.
Anticoagulants
CAUTION: Do not use anticoagulants such as EDTA, citrate, oxalate, and fluoride,
since they significantly effect pH, ionized calcium, chloride, and metabolites.
Calcium-titrated (balanced) heparin and lithium heparin are the only acceptable
anticoagulants for pH, blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolite analysis. Clotting and
dilutional effects may be present if the sample collection technique is not
performed correctly.
Sample Storage and Handling
The following conditions can cause erroneous results even when samples are
collected correctly:
S metabolic activity in the sample that occurs between sampling and completion of
analysis
S contamination of the sample by room air
S incorrect mixing of the sample before analysis
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