Chapter 9
9.5. Test Procedure
The accuracy of Heska Element COAG
™
Analyzer test results is largely dependent on
the quality of the sample specimen which in turn is dependent on:
• The blood sample collection
• The proper volume of blood/citrate
• The proper mixing of the citrated blood
• The proper extraction of platelet-poor plasma
• The proper introduction of the sample into the cartridge well.
i
Please observe all precautions cited in this guide and use good blood sampling
technique at all times.
9.5. Test Procedure
Before performing any tests, be sure that the Heska Element COAG
™
Analyzer has been
installed properly in accordance with the instructions in this guide. See
Chapter 3
for
details regarding how to set the Analyzer up correctly.
Verify that you have the necessary materials and equipment for performing a Heska
Element COAG
™
Canine Fibrinogen test, see Section 9.3.
Afterward, follow these simple test procedures:
Step 1:
Remove a pouch with a test cartridge from the refrigerator and let the pouch
and cartridge reach room temperature
59 °F
to
86 °F
or
15
◦
C
to
30
◦
C
before
starting the test.
Step 2:
Draw blood from the patient into a sample tube containing
3.2 %
or
3.8 %
sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. The Fibrinogen assay requires only
100 µL
platelet poor plasma but the tube should be full to ensure the correct concen-
tration of sodium citrate.
Step 3:
Fractionate the whole blood by centrifuging the blood sample in the collection
tube into platelet poor plasma. To achieve sufficiently platelet poor plasma,
the blood sample must be centrifuged at minimum
7000 g × minutes
, see the
Table 9.2 for a list of required centrifugation time.
The plasma should be extracted as soon as possible after collecting the blood
sample. The whole blood sample can be kept for maximum 12 hours provided
that the temperature does not exceed
86 °F
/
30
◦
C
. It is recommended to store
the sample at room temperature until testing. Do not expose to direct sunlight.
Step 4:
Remove the cartridge and pipette tip from the pouch and the pre-filled tube
with diluent from the kit box.
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