10-1
Questions?
Refer to Page 10-9 For Technical Support Instructions.
Troubleshooting Patient Test Results
This section describes conditions that can cause erroneous patient test results. Refer to the Precision PCx Plus
Test Strip package insert for test strip specification information and detailed instructions for use.
Reasons Glucose Results May Be Higher Than Expected:
Hematocrit is lower than the acceptable limit for the test strips, as indicated on test strip package insert.
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Serum or plasma samples were used instead of whole blood.
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Venous blood tested in arterial / capillary mode.
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Reasons Glucose Results May Be Lower Than Expected:
Hematocrit is higher than the acceptable limit for the test strips, as indicated on test strip package insert.
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Hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state (with or without ketosis).
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Severe dehydration, hypotension or shock.
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Water or alcohol remaining on the puncture site.
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Venous or arterial whole blood sample not tested within 30 minutes after collection.
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Arterial or capillary blood tested in venous mode.
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If test results appear higher or lower than expected for reasons not described above, please repeat the test using a new
test strip. If the results still appear higher or lower than expected, call Abbott Technical Support at 1-877-529-7185.
Outside the United States, contact your local Abbott Diabetes Care office or distributor.
Troubleshooting Out-of-Range Control Test Results
Repeat the test for that control solution and make sure that the operator meets the conditions in this checklist:
Eliminate any air bubbles in the control bottle’s tip.
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Wipe the control solution nozzle with a clean gauze or tissue before and after each test. Liquid left on the tip from
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previous tests may have a glucose concentration higher than expected.
Calibrate the monitor using the barcode for the test strip used.
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Scan or enter the correct 5-digit lot number for the control solutions.
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Check storage temperatures: Control solutions and test strips must be stored within ranges specified on the
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respective carton inserts for control solutions and test strips.
Check that the temperature conditions in the room where the tests are being performed are within the acceptable
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operating range. Refer to the Test Strip package insert.
Check that the bottles of control solutions have not been open for more than 90 days.
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Use a new test strip for each test.
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Use only Precision PCx Plus Test Strips.
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Use only MediSense, Precision or Optium Control Solutions.
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Confirm that the control solution tested (low or high) matches the level requested on the display.
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If test results are out of range despite meeting the above criteria, please repeat the test using a new box of
control solutions and/or test strips. If the results are still out-of-range, call Abbott Technical Support at
1-877-529-7185. Outside the United States, contact your local Abbott Diabetes Care office or distributor.
Troubleshooting
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting
