User guide

14
TROUBLESHOOTING
Most often, a fault message indicates a problem with blood collection or a mistake in the test procedure. If
an error message appears, read the instructions again and repeat the test with a new cuvette. The ProTime
Troubleshooting Guide below gives the messages for the most common errors with possible causes and
solutions.
As with all diagnostic tests, the ProTime Microcoagulation System test results should be scrutinized in light
of a specific patient’s condition and anticoagulant therapy. Any results exhibiting inconsistency with the
patient’s clinical status should be repeated or supplemented with additional test data.
If you get a persistent error, write down the error message and call ITC Technical Support at
1-732-548-5700, 1-800-631-5945, or e-mail us at [e-mail].
Please have the ProTime serial number and cuvette lot number ready when you contact ITC Technical
Support.
Troubleshooting Guidelines
• Become skilled at obtaining blood with the fingerstick technique. This will help you avoid sample
errors.
• Follow all of the directions on the screen for optimal operation.
• Do not try to hasten the test process by performing the fingerstick while the WARMING screen is
displayed, as blood may clot before it is drawn into the cuvette and an error may occur. FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS ON THE SCREEN.
Troubleshooting Guide
Screen Display Source of Error Method of Control
INR HIGH
REPEAT TEST
IF SAME, CALL MD
Patient’s PT result is too
high (INR >12.0)
Repeat the test. If it occurs again,
patient should be referred to their
physician IMMEDIATELY and re-tested
at the lab.
INR LOW
REPEAT TEST
IF SAME, CALL MD
Patient’s PT result is too low
(INR < 0.6)
Repeat the test. If it occurs again,
patient should be referred to their
physician IMMEDIATELY and re-tested
at the lab.
ON-BOARD QC
OUT OF RANGE
TRY AGAIN
Level I or II control is too
high or too low
Repeat the test. Check for adequate
storage of cuvettes or sampling
technique. Confirm results with the
lab.
NO CLOT DETECTED
REPEAT TEST
IF SAME CALL MD
At least one channel did not
clot
Repeat the test. If it occurs again,
patient should be referred to their
physician IMMEDIATELY and re-tested
at the lab.
TIME OUT
TRY AGAIN
Time ran out before starting
test
Test again with new Tenderlett Plus
and a fresh fingerstick. You may reuse
the cuvette if no blood was in contact
with the cuvette.
TEST INTERRUPTED
TRY AGAIN
Cuvette removed or operator
interrupted test
Review correct procedure. Repeat test.