PFA-100 System – Instruction Manual (US) – Version 1.0.1
1012
12 Diagnostics and troubleshooting
12.5.5 Test Terminated Due To Maximum Syringe Travel
The following table contains information about the circumstances in which the message TEST TERMINATED DUE
TO MAXIMUM SYRINGE TRAVEL occurs and how to proceed afterwards.
Description Causes Solutions/Comments Result Interpretation
The analyzer has stopped the
current test because the syringe
has reached the end of its travel
prior to maximum test time.
• Syringe piston moved too far
too quickly as a result of low
sample viscosity. Sufficient
sample in the PFA test
cartridge but closure did not
occur due to platelet
dysfunction and/or low
viscosity (
hematocrit, high
sedimentation rate).
• A defective PFA test cartridge
causing a small vacuum leak
• Debris is present on the
vacuum seal between the
analyzer and the PFA test
cartridge, causing a small
vacuum leak.
• Analyzer malfunction causing
a small vacuum leak
• Perform a Self Test via the Maintenance
menu without the cleaning pad to rule out
vacuum leaks. If no errors are reported by
the self test, the analyzer is in control.
• Verify sample hematocrit before performing
a second test. If hematocrit is abnormal, the
sample may have low viscosity, which may
induce platelet dysfunction. Refer to the
instructions for use (Limitations of
Procedure section) for further information.
An abnormal hematocrit may impair platelet
function and result in prolongation of the
closure time. Platelet dysfunction in
combination with low hematocrit will often
induce this type of status message.
Samples from patients treated with platelet
GPIIb/IIIa antagonist drugs may exhibit
characteristics that may induce this type of
status message. Adding additional
specimen (up to 900 µL) could eliminate
maximum syringe travel but will most likely
result in a closure time > 300 sec. If the
repeat result confirms the abnormality,
platelet dysfunction may be suspected
possibly due to abnormal hemodynamic
properties of the sample and/or anti-platelet
agents.
• If problem persists, contact Siemens
Service.
A maximum syringe travel
message that occurs at a time
that is greater than the upper limit
of the reference range may
indicate abnormal platelet
function. The result may be
reported as >xxxsec only if the
time lies above the reference
range. The report should include
a statement qualifying the
abnormal qualities of the sample
and suspicion of platelet
dysfunction.
Table 12-5 Test Terminated Due To Maximum Syringe Travel
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