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 sasfactory by reading the temperature strip included in
each shipping container.
2. Ensure Proper Cartridge Storage according to these criteria:
• Refrigerator storage condions for stored cartridges range from 2 to 8ºC (35 to 46ºF).
• Cartridges are not exposed to temperatures exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
• Cartridges are not used aer the expiraon 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 aer 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.
Precauons and Limitaons
Although cartridges are not fragile, they consist of sensors and other sensive 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 naonal regulatory guidelines.
• keep the cartridge and the instrument at the temperature of the room where they are to be used.
Condensaon 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 Informaon.
• remove a cartridge from its protecve pouch unl it is at room temperature 18 to 30ºC (or 64 to
86ºF).
• return cartridges to the refrigerator aer 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 plasc poron 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.
• aempt 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 Operaons Manual Art: 745524-01 Rev. I Rev. Date: 02-Nov-2022