ITC Hemochron Signature+ Whole Blood Microcoagulation System User Manual

Page 19

Specimen Collection
Collect blood specimens according to NCCLS document H21-2, entitled Collection, Transport and

Processing of Blood Specimens for Coagulation Testing and General Performance of Coagulation
Assays.

Important: Collect blood specimens in a manner that prevents contamination with tissue
thromboplastin, indwelling intravenous (I.V.) solutions, or alcohol cleansing solution. Discard

samples that are not properly collected or contain visible clots or debris.
Use a 23 gauge or larger needle if a syringe is used for blood collection. If a sample is expelled
through the same needle, do it slowly to prevent hemolysis.
Consult the cuvette package insert for additional information concerning specimen collection
and storage.

Starting the Test
After initialization is completed the instrument beeps once, signaling the instrument is ready for the
sample. ADD SAMPLE and PRESS START are displayed, and the blood sample can be placed into the cuvette
and the test started.

Note: START TIMED OUT is displayed if the test is not started within five minutes. If this
occurs, repeat the test using a new cuvette.

Place a drop of blood into the sample well of the cuvette:

Note: Fill the sample well from the bottom up. Add enough blood so that the lower wall of the
center sample well is completely filled. If the meniscus of the blood sample extends above the

lower wall, push the excess blood into the overflow area. A transfer needle can be used to
transfer blood.

Press the START key. The elapsed time (in seconds) is displayed until the sample clots.

Note: SAMPLE TOO SMALL, SAMPLE TOO LARGE, or SAMPLE NOT SEEN is displayed if an
incorrect amount of sample was added. Repeat the test using a new cuvette.

When a clot is detected, the instrument beeps once. Final results of the test are calculated and
displayed.

Note: The whole blood clotting times are converted to plasma equivalent values (for APTT
and APTT Citrate), or plasma equivalent values and International Normalized Ratio (for PT
and PT Citrate). Press the START key to display the whole blood clotting times (for three
seconds). Celite equivalent values are displayed for ACT+ and ACT-LR.

Remove the cuvette and discard it.

Note: Results are saved in the database and printed if a printer is connected. The date and
time of the test, the PID, OID, notes (if entered), and error message (if a fault is detected for
the test or sample) are printed with the test result.

lower wall

sample well

overflow area