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1 - Introduction

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000HZ6006EN.US • 02 • GEM Hemochron 100 Operator Manual

1.4

Principles of Operation

The GEM Hemochron 100 system measures whole blood activated clotting time using single‑use disposable

test cartridges. Each test cartridge contains all of the reagents necessary for a specied test. The

Operator

inserts a test cartridge into the instrument and then (optional) enters information about the sample either

manually or by scanning the barcode using the barcode scanner. Once the test cartridge is warmed to

37°C ± 1°C (96.8°F–100.4°F), the instrument will prompt the

Operator

to add a blood sample into the sample

well. The

Operator

initiates the test by pressing the (Start Test) icon on the display screen. When the

test begins, the instrument draws blood from the sample well into the test channel of the test cartridge, where

the blood is mixed with the reagent. The remaining blood sample, not needed for testing, is automatically

drawn out of the sample well and into an enclosed waste channel in the test cartridge.

The instrument mixes the sample and reagent by pumping the mixture back and forth at a predetermined rate

within the test channel at a temperature maintained at 37°C ± 1°C (96.8°F–100.4°F). A camera (optical

system) monitors the motion of the sample and reagent in the test channel. As the blood begins to clot, the

ow of the blood sample within the test channel is impeded, reducing its rate of ow.

Flow reduction below a predetermined value signals to the instrument that a brin clot has formed. An internal

timer measures the elapsed time between the start of the test and the clot formation. During the test, the

elapsed time is displayed as Celite equivalent ACT value in seconds, not real-time seconds. Upon completion

of the test, the whole blood clotting time is displayed and recorded by the instrument.

GEM Hemochron 100 User Manual

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