< back to Testing Protocols TOC

Cholesterol – using CARDIOCHECK Machine

Helpful Hints on Getting a Good Drop of Blood:

• Warm the fingers to increase blood flow.
• Let the arm hang down at the person’s side briefly to allow blood flow to the finger tips.
• Instruct the patient to wash hands in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry completely. If an alcohol wipe is used, let the finger air dry before testing.
• Prepare lancing device according to manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Obtain a Blood Sample:

• Wipe the finger with an alcohol wipe. Be sure the finger is dry.
• Use a new sterile, disposable lancet to puncture the skin.

Running a Test

Stick the finger on the side of the fingertip, instead of the center.

To get a drop of blood, gently apply pressure to the finger starting at the end of the finger closest to the hand and moving towards the tip. Wipe away the first drop of blood with gauze and use the second blood drop for testing.

The blood drop should be hanging down from the finger to make it easier to collect the sample with a capillary blood collector or pipette.

Follow the specific instructions found in the test strip package insert for each test for sample application and volume ranges. Capillary blood collectors (pipettes) are available to ensure the correct volume of blood has been applied to the test strip.

Make sure the test strip is inserted all the way into the Test Strip Insert Opening. Use the test strip and lancet one time. Discard the used lancet in a closed puncture resistant container, such as a sharps container. Use a new lancet every time you test. Do not share or reuse lancets.

Health Care Professionals: If the analyzer is used for testing several people, be sure to follow the proper infection control procedures for your facility.

Precaution: Handle and dispose of all materials coming in contact with blood according to universal precautions and guidelines.

How to Run a Test:

• Insert correct MEMo Chip for the lot of strips in use.
• Insert MEMo Chip with finger notch (top) side up, lot number code facing down.
• Turn CardioChek P•A ON by pressing either button (? or ?).
• When INSERT STRIP is displayed, insert the strip into the Test Strip Insert Opening as far as it will go.
• Obtain a blood drop following the correct technique.
• When APPLY SAMPLE is displayed, apply blood to the test strip. Refer to each specific test strip package insert for sample volume and sample application instructions.
• Within two minutes, the results will be displayed (for most tests).
• Due to the analyzer’s internal rounding of results, displayed calculated results may not be the same as a manual calculation.
• The analyzer automatically shuts down after three minutes of idle time with no test strip inserted.

Running a Test

• Insert the MEMO Chip with lot number that matches the test strip vial.
• Press either button (? or ?) to turn the CardioChek P•A ON. Analyzer will display code.
• Refer to each specific test strip package insert for sample volume and sample application instructions.
• When INSERT STRIP is displayed, insert strip into the analyzer as far as it will go.
• When APPLY SAMPLE is displayed, apply whole blood* with a capillary blood collector or pipette to the white reaction area on the test strip.
• Within two minutes the result will appear on the display. Remove and discard strip. DO NOT add more blood to a test strip that has been used.