ITC IRMA TruPoint Blood Analysis System - Manual (Page 165)

F.3
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
1. The black plunger comes packaged separately from the capillary tube.
Samples may be collected with the plunger in or out of the barrel of the
capillary tube, but most users find it easier to collect the sample with the
plunger out of the barrel. If the plunger is out of the barrel during sample
collection, insert it into the barrel after sample collection is complete.
Do
not force the plunger against the white plug when inserting the plunger ; the
plunger tip should rest against the white plug, but should not move the
plug.
2. Select, prepare, and puncture the collection site according to your
facility’s protocol.
3. Remove the first drop of blood from the site with gauze and touch the tip
of the device to the site to begin filling. Hold the capillary tube at a
horizontal or slightly downward angle during collection.
4. Allow the capillary tube to fill completely via capillary action. If bubbles
are present in the sample channel, remove them by angling the tip
downward and allow the sample to flow back towards the tip to push the
air bubble out the tip, or blot sample from the device. Refill the device
with additional sample. Remove air bubbles or voids before the sample
contacts the white plug. Once the sample contacts the white plug, the
device will stop filling, and air can no longer be removed.
5. When blood contacts the white plug, the device is completely filled. Do
not wipe or blot the tip of the device after filling. Doing so may
accidentally wick sample from the sample channel, resulting in a sample
void at the tip.
6. Inject the sample into an IRMA TruPoint cartridge:
a. When cartridge calibration is complete, remove the luer cap (if
applicable) from the cartridge. Firmly seat the tip into the luer injection
port of the cartridge to make an air-tight seal. The sample may leak if
not tightly sealed.
Figure F-2
b. Anchor the device with your
thumb and index finger, right
below the square flange of the
capillary device (Figure F-2).