ITC IRMA TruPoint Blood Analysis System - Manual (Page 32)

2.2
CAPILLARY REQUIREMENTS
Capillary samples must be collected in the IRMA TruPoint Capillary
Collection Device. See Appendix F for detailed Capillary Collection Device
instructions.
SAMPLE SIZE
The minimum whole blood sample volumes that must be injected into a
single-use cartridge for a patient sample analysis are:
• 200 uL if sample collected in a syringe
• 125 uL if sample collected in an IRMA TruPoint Capillary Collection
Device.
• Ensure that sufficient sample is collected to meet the minimum volumes
required for injection into the cartridge.
GENERAL SAMPLE COLLECTION GUIDELINES
• Time sample collection to minimize delays between collection and
analysis.
• Avoid drawing samples above an IV line to prevent dilution of the sample
with IV fluid.
• When drawing a sample from an indwelling line, back-flush and clear the
line of IV fluids prior to sampling to remove anticoagulants or medications
which might interfere with the test.
• Allow the blood collection site to dry after being cleansed with alcohol to
prevent hemolysis.
• Fill the collection device to the appropriate capacity. Incomplete filling
may cause high heparin to blood ratios which may lower ionized calcium
results and may affect other results.
• Thoroughly mix samples collected in syringes.
BLOOD GAS SAMPLE HANDLING
• Expel any air present in the syringe immediately after collection and
before the sample is mixed. If a portion of the sample must be separated
for other testing, do not expose sample to air.
• If a sample cannot be tested within 5 minutes of collection:
> Expel all air from the syringe.
> Cap or seal-off the end of the collection device.
> Store the blood gas sample in an ice slurry.
> Thoroughly mix the sample while the cartridge is calibrating.