How often do I need to recalibrate my HemoCue® Analyzer?
The HemoCue® Hemoglobin Analyzers are factory calibrated against the hemiglobincyanide (HiCN) method and needs no further calibration.
How often should I clean the control cuvette?
B-Hemoglobin; Donor Hb Checker:
Clean the control cuvette when the value deviates from the assigned value (±limits).
Cleaning the control cuvette:
1. Dampen a fresh cotton swab with alcohol or isopropanol (without additives).
2. Clean the control cuvette filter gently but thoroughly.
3. Wipe dry with a fresh, dry cotton swab.
4. Visually check that the control cuvette filter is clean. If not, repeat the
procedure.
How often should I clean the cuvette holder?
The cuvette holder should be cleaned after being used, on the days of testing, with alcohol or a mild soap solution after being completely removed from the analyzer. The cuvette holder can also be autoclaved. The holder must be completely dry before being reinserted in the analyzer.
How often should I clean the cover glasses of the optronic unit?
Cleaning frequency may depend on the amount of samples being analyzed and/or local regulations regarding maintenance. Clean the coverglasses of the optronic unit with the HemoCue® Cleaner.
Warning! Do not open the optronic assembly!
The HemoCue® Cleaner should not be used for HemoCue® B-Hemoglobin Photometers produced earlier than July 1992. Read the relevant Operating Manual to make sure that the cleaner may be used. For alternative cleaning of HemoCue® B-Hemoglobin photometer produced earlier than July 1992, please contact your local HemoCue® distributor.
Follow the directions in the HemoCue® Cleaner instructions for use.
1. Turn the analyzer off and remove the cuvette holder as described in the operating manual
2. Remove the cleaner from the package and insert into the analyzer
3. Move the cleaner over the entire optronic unit
4. Inspect the cleaner. If it is dirty, repeat the procedure with a new cleaner
5. Wait 15 minutes before replacing the cuvette holder
6. Check the system as required
Note! Dispose of the cleaner as potentially infectious waste. Do not reuse the cleaner.
How should I store my HemoCue® Hemoglobin Microcuvettes?
Storage for HemoCue® Hemoglobin Microcuvettes
The storage conditions for the microcuvettes are stated in the Package Insert. Always read the Package Insert before use. Go to Technical Specifications to see storage conditions.I lost the control cuvette, what do I do?
The control cuvette is specific to an instrument, if it is lost, contact your local
HemoCue® distributor for replacement.
The control cuvette gives erroneous results, what do I do?
HemoCue® B-Hemoglobin; HemoCue® Donor Hb Checker
The control cuvette is an optical interference filter, which is used to verify that the calibration is stable and does not change from day to day. When you check the received value, it should not exceed the established range on the control cuvette card.Hemoglobin: ±0.3 g/dL (3 g/L, 0.2 mmol/L)
Make sure that the instrument and the control cuvette are clean.
For further information read the Troubleshooting Guide in the relevant
Operating Manual.
The control cuvette is cracked or damaged, what do I do?
HemoCue® B-Hemoglobin; HemoCue® Donor Hb Checker
The control cuvette is specific to an instrument, if it is cracked or damaged, contact your local HemoCue® distributor for replacement.The liquid control solution values are too high or too low, what do I do?
A control of the total system i.e. analyzer and microcuvette can be obtained by using liquid controls with a given hemoglobin value. The liquid controls should have a viscosity equal to that of normal blood. It is important that the liquid control is stored, mixed and handled according to manufacturer instructions. Note: Many liquid controls that are not assayed for the HemoCue Hemoglobin systems contain additives that cause turbidity (cloudiness). Since the HemoCue® Analyzers compensate for turbidity it can give lower hemoglobin values.
Check the expiration date and storage of the liquid control and microcuvettes.
They might be too old, damaged or improperly stored.
For further information, please check the Troubleshooting Guide in the relevant Operating Manual.
What can I do if the analyzer gives an error code?
The analyzer shows "ERROR" or "E" and a digit code.
May be an occasional fault.
Turn off the analyzer and switch it on again after 30 seconds. Take a new cuvette and repeat the measurement.
If the problem continues, see specific Error code in the Troubleshooting Guide in the relevant Operating Manual.
What is good quality control?
Quality Control for HemoCue Hb201+ & 301 Analyzers
The HemoCue Hb 201+ and 301 Analyzers has an internal quality control, the "Selftest". Every time the analyzer is turned on, it will automatically verify the performance of the optronic unit of the analyzer. This test is performed every second hour if the analyzer remains switched on, every eight hour for the 201 DM analyzer.
Control cuvette - HemoCue® Donor Hb Checker and HemoCue® B-Hemoglobin Photometers
Check the function of the photometer on a daily basis by measuring the control cuvette. (NOTE: The control cuvette is required for the HemoCue® Donor Hb Checker and HemoCue® B-Hemoglobin Photometers). The control cuvette, which is an optical interference filter, is used to verify that the calibration is stable i.e. not changing from day to day.
The measured value should not deviate from the assigned value (±limits) on the control cuvette card.
The control cuvette is specific for each photometer i.e. the serial number on the control cuvette corresponds to the serial number of the photometer.
Control checks
If control checks are required for regulatory reasons they should be performed using liquid controls recommended by HemoCue®.
External quality control (Proficiency testing)
External quality control testing can be local, national or international. Specimens with unknown values are sent out to participants for analysis.
Personnel who routinely test patient samples are to test the external control solution in the same way as they test the real patient samples.
Contact national authorities for suitable proficiency testing programs
What level of control solution should I use?
It is practical and relevant to use a control at a level in the same range as your most common patient result.
Please follow your local quality control regulations
Why do the capillary Hemoglobin double samples differ more than forvenous double samples?
Blood obtained by skin puncture may contain a concentration of red blood cells or be diluted with interstitial and intracellular fluid. A good capillary sampling technique is therefore essential for good results.
Make sure that the patientís hand is warm and relaxed and that the blood flow is spontaneous. If a second sample is to be taken from the same fingerstick this should be done immediately after the first sample has been taken.
For further information, read the relevant Operating Manual
Why is there sometimes a difference between HemoCue® Hemoglobin results compared with laboratory results?
A number of factors may influence the outcome of a comparison between two hemoglobin methods:
Calibration differences
Variations in routines for calibration or differences in calibration material may cause differences between methods. The HemoCue® Hemoglobin systems are delivered calibrated against the international reference method for determination of hemoglobin, the ICSH method.
Sample material
Venous and capillary blood are not quite the same even if the latter is freely flowing. The Hb concentration of peripheral (capillary) blood is greater than in venous blood. The discrepancies between peripheral and venous samples are more marked if the ear-lobe rather than the finger is chosen as the site for puncture.
Time of sampling
The hemoglobin concentration shows a declining trend through the daytime and the lowest values during the night. This should be taken into consideration when results are compared.
Body position
After transition from an upright position to a recumbent position a decrease in hemoglobin takes place. When comparing laboratory results, sampling is recommended to be performed under identical conditions.
Calibration differences
Variations in routines for calibration or differences in calibration material may cause differences between methods. The HemoCue® Hemoglobin systems are delivered calibrated against the international reference method for determination of hemoglobin, the ICSH method.
Sample material
Venous and capillary blood are not quite the same even if the latter is freely flowing. The Hb concentration of peripheral (capillary) blood is greater than in venous blood. The discrepancies between peripheral and venous samples are more marked if the ear-lobe rather than the finger is chosen as the site for puncture.
Time of sampling
The hemoglobin concentration shows a declining trend through the daytime and the lowest values during the night. This should be taken into consideration when results are compared.
Body position
After transition from an upright position to a recumbent position a decrease in hemoglobin takes place. When comparing laboratory results, sampling is recommended to be performed under identical conditions.
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