Abbott i-STAT Alinity - Receiving a New Shipment of Cartridges; Precautions and Limitations

Receiving a New Shipment of Cartridges
i‑STAT Alinity quality system includes these steps whenever a new shipment of cartridges is received:
1. Check Temperature Strip for a New Shipment of Cartridges
Verify that the transit temperatures were sasfactory by reading the temperature strip included in
each shipping container.
2. Ensure Proper Cartridge Storage according to these criteria:
• Refrigerator storage condions for stored cartridges range from 2 to 8ºC (35 to 46ºF).
• Cartridges are not exposed to temperatures exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
• Cartridges are not used aer the expiraon date printed on the individual pouch and box.
• Cartridges are not outside the refrigerator for longer than the me frame indicated on the
cartridge box.
• A cartridge is used immediately aer it is removed from its pouch.
• A cartridge taken from refrigerated storage is allowed to stand in its pouch at room temperature
for 5 minutes before use, or that a box of pouched cartridges stands at room temperature for one
hour before use.
Precauons and Limitaons
Although cartridges are not fragile, they consist of sensors and other sensive components that will alter
the test results, or generate Quality Check Failure Codes (QCF) codes, if they are not properly lled and
handled.
DO:
• dispose of the cartridge in a container for biohazardous waste, in accordance with your facility's
policies and with local, state, and naonal regulatory guidelines.
• keep the cartridge and the instrument at the temperature of the room where they are to be used.
Condensaon on a cold cartridge can prevent proper contact with the instrument.
DO NOT:
• use a cartridge if either the refrigerated or room temperature dates have passed. Refer to the
Cartridge Box Informaon.
• remove a cartridge from its protecve pouch unl it is at room temperature 18 to 30ºC (or 64 to
86ºF).
• return cartridges to the refrigerator aer bringing them to room temperature.
• expose cartridges to temperatures above 30ºC (86ºF).
• use a cartridge that is expired or that shows signs of damage.
• use a cartridge if the foil pouch or clear plasc poron pack has been punctured.
• apply pressure to the central area of the label because the calibrant pack inside could burst
prematurely.
• place the cartridges in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
• touch the sensors on the top of the cartridge.
• use a cartridge onto which blood or any other uid has spilled. Avoid lling cartridges on surfaces
where the cartridge could pick up bers, uid, debris, or other materials that could lodge in the
instrument.
• aempt to remove the cartridge while the message Cartridge Locked in instrument.
Do not attempt to remove the cartridge. remains on the screen.
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i-STAT Alinity — System Operaons Manual Art: 745524-01 Rev. I Rev. Date: 02-Nov-2022