ITC Hemochron Signature Elite Whole Blood Microcoagulation System - Manual (Page 37)

37
QC Using EQC:
1. Display the QC Status menu:
Note: Display the QC Status menu by pressing the QC key before a cuvette is inserted. If EQC is run
while a cuvette is inserted, the message Detector Blocked is displayed and the EQC test fails.
2. Press 1. The test chamber warms to temperature and the EQC test begins. The results are displayed
while the test is progressing.
3. When the test is completed, the results are displayed on the screen and written to the QC database.
Press CANCEL to exit the screen.
Note: Internal EQC will check two levels of QC and the temperature, and it will store each result. If
one result fails, the test will stop and record all results as failed. If the user aborts the internal EQC
test, the test is not saved to the database or printed.
QC Using Liquid Quality Control Products:
1. Obtain the liquid quality control products.
Note: HEMOCHRON Jr. Quality Controls are recommended. Refer to the package insert for the
liquid quality control products for storage and handling information.
2. Obtain a cuvette for the test to be validated and insert it into the instrument.
3. To run QC when it is not required, press the QC key.
4. Select QC NORMAL (or QC ABNORMAL) and enter an Operator ID (optional) for the test.
Important: LQC results will be stored in the patient database if QC NORMAL or
QC ABNORMAL is not selected for the test.
5. When Add Sample and Press Start are displayed, add the appropriate liquid control sample and
run the test in the same manner as for a patient sample.
Note: If any error messages appear on the instrument screen, remove the cuvette and repeat the
test using a new cuvette.
QC of Cuvettes
Cuvette validation is carried out using the appropriate HEMOCHRON Quality Control product and the test
procedure provided.
Acceptable performance ranges for the HEMOCHRON Jr. cuvettes are included with each HEMOCHRON QC
product. The cause of out-of-range results is likely attributable to test technique, control material, cuvette
and/or the instrument. Refer to the Troubleshooting section for additional information.
Checking QC Intervals
If EQC tests and/or LQC tests are required to be run at specified intervals, the amount of time remaining before
QC must be run on each test can be checked.