Chapter 11
11.2. Test Specifications
The time it takes to perform a blood type determination with the Heska Element COAG
™
Analyzer depends on factors such as type of test and test environment. At room temper-
ature, it takes about 90 seconds for the instrument to warm up the test cartridge to
99 °F
or
37
◦
C
. Lower and higher room temperatures may change the warm up time. Once
the procedure of the assay begins, an answer should be available within 5 minutes.
Each Heska Element COAG
™
/RapidVet
®
Test cartridge contains a monoclonal antibody
or a lectin specific to the A antigen on a red blood cell or to the B antigen. Each cartridge
is individually packed with a sealed pouch containing a desiccant bag to keep it moisture
free. A torn or otherwise damaged pouch may allow moisture to reach the test cartridge
and adversely affect performance. Do not use a test cartridge from a damaged pouch.
Open the pouch just prior to use. Once the pouch has been opened, the test cartridge
should be used within 10 minutes.
Table 11.1:
Specifications for the Heska Element COAG
™
/RapidVet
®
Feline Blood Typ-
ing Test.
Measurement Technology Agglutination detection using light absorbance
Species Feline (Cat)
Possible results A, B or AB
Sample Type Diluted whole blood
Sample Volume 100 µL of whole blood (in cases with low hematocrit of
the blood (below 29 %), more volume will be needed.)
Sample Collection EDTA collection tube
Sample Stability Use the blood within the day of collection. Do not dilute
the sample until prompted to do so on-screen.
Cartridge Stability Do not expose the cartridges in the foil pouch to direct
sunlight, or leave at room temperature for more than
one day.
Use cartridges taken from the foil pouch within 10
minutes
Storage Store at 36 °F to 77 °F/2
◦
C to 25
◦
C
Shelf Life The expiration date is printed on the pouch label.
Warm-up time
Approximately 90 seconds. The actual time depends on
the blood sample and test environment. Very low or high
ambient temperatures may change the warm-up time.
Time to results Approximately 5 minutes from adding the sample to the
cartridge
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