Diatron Abacus 5 - 8 Sample Measurement; Sample Types Supported by the Abacus 5; Supported Sample Tubes Types; Sampling Depth

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8 Sample Measurement
8.1 Sample Types Supported by the ‘Abacus 5’
In this chapter you will find information about the samples usable with the ‘Abacus 5’ instrument.
8.1.1 Supported Sample Tubes Types
The ‘Abacus 5’ supports the following K3-EDTA, 13x75mm sample-tubes:
 Sarstedt Monovette®
 Becton Dickinson (BD) Vacutainer®
 Terumo Venosafe®
Only use sample tubes with K3-EDTA anticoagulant.
Please note that the Sarstedt Monovette® sample tubes have a false bottom that is not
the same as the bottom of the sample tube. The sampling depth on the ‘Abacus 5’
analyzer must be changed for a Sarstedt Monovette® sample tube. To change the
sampling depth for manually presented Sarstedt Monovette® tubes at the sample rotor,
check the ‘Use only Sarstedt Monovette tube from sample rotor’ check box in the Main
menu/Settings/System panel.
The Autosampler automatically recognizes Sarstedt Monovette® tubes and automatically
changes the sampling depth.
You may use sample tubes from other vendors if certain conditions are fulfilled. For manually presented sample
tubes at the sample rotor measurement check if the new tube type:
 Is mechanically compatible (13x75 mm family)
 Can be pierced or used in open vial mode
 Can be handled by the tube centralizing mechanisms on the ‘Abacus 5’ analyzer
It is suggested to contact your sales representative before using the new sample tube type.
For automated sample handling with the optional Autosampler, contact your sales representative before using a new
sample tube type. The Autosampler may not reliably recognize sample tube types other than the officially supported
sample tubes.
Although these sample tube types are designed for multiple piercing, it is recommended to replace the cap after 3-4
piercing cycles. Small rubber bits parts can crumble into the blood and adversely affect the performance of the
‘Abacus 5’ analyzer.
8.1.2 Sampling Depth
The ‘Abacus 5’ is equipped with a piercing needle capable of aspirating samples from closed sample tubes. To
prevent needle blockage from rubber sample tube cap material and blood particulates, the piercing needle hole is
located on the side of the needle rather than at the bottom. Also, the sampling needle is given a safety clearance of
two millimeters from the bottom of the tube to prevent accidental breakage of sample tubes. This means that the
sampling needle cannot aspirate the last 8 millimeters (0.31 inches) of sample at the bottom of a tube. This results in
sample volume that cannot be aspirated of 0.5 ml for a Beckton Dickinson Vacutainer® tube and 0.3 ml for a Sarstedt
Monovette® tube.