ITC Hemochron Signature Elite Whole Blood Microcoagulation System - Manual (Page 35)

35
Starting the Test
After initialization is completed the instrument beeps once, signaling the instrument is ready for the sample.
Add Sample and Press Start are displayed with a countdown to START TIMED OUT (see the note below), and
the blood sample can be placed into the cuvette and the test started.
Note: START TIMED OUT is displayed if the test is not started within five minutes. If this occurs,
repeat the test using a new cuvette.
1. Place a drop of blood into the sample well of the cuvette:
Note: Fill the sample well from the bottom up. Add enough blood so that the lower wall of the
center sample well is completely filled. If the meniscus of the blood sample extends above the
wall, push the excess blood into the overflow area. A transfer needle can be used to transfer
blood.
2. Press the START key. The elapsed time (in seconds) is displayed until the sample clots.
Note: SAMPLE TOO SMALL, SAMPLE TOO LARGE, or SAMPLE NOT SEEN is displayed if an incorrect
amount of sample was added. Repeat the test using a new cuvette.
3. When a clot is detected, the instrument beeps once. Final results of the test are calculated and
displayed.
Note: The whole blood clotting times are converted to plasma equivalent values (for APTT and
APTT Citrate), or plasma equivalent values and International Normalized Ratio (for PT and PT
Citrate). Celite equivalent values are displayed for ACT+ and ACT-LR.
4. Remove the cuvette and discard it.
Note: Results are saved in the database and printed if a printer is connected. The date and time
of the test, cuvette lot and/or QC lot information, PID, OID, note(s) (if entered), and error
message (if a fault is detected for the test or sample) are printed with the test result.
lower wall
sample well
overflow area