Piccolo Xpress Manuel De L'opérateur page 7

1.3 Introduction
The Piccolo Xpress chemistry system is compact and easy to transport. The system consists of a porta-
ble analyzer and single-use disposable reagent discs. The analyzer contains the following features and
components:
a variable-speed motor to spin the reagent disc

a photometer to measure analyte concentrations

two microprocessors to control testing and analytical functions

a thermal line printer to print out results

a WVGA color touchscreen for communicating with the analyzer

optional data functions for more detailed analysis information

Each reagent disc is self-contained clear plastic, 8 cm in diameter and 2 cm thick, and containing an
aqueous diluent in its center and dry reagent beads in cuvettes around its edge. All blood separation and
sample diluent mixing is performed within the disc itself.
To perform an analysis, the operator needs only to collect a blood sample (lithium-heparinized whole
blood or plasma, serum), place the sample in the reagent disc, put the disc into the analyzer drawer on
the front of the analyzer, and input patient information. When analysis is finished, the results print auto-
matically.
Results are printed on thermal paper with adhesive backing for inclusion within the patient's medical
record. One Ethernet port and five USB ports are provided so data can be sent to an external printer,
computer, memory stick, or laboratory information systems/electronic medical record systems (LIS/
EMR).
The entire analysis requires ~100 µL of sample and is capable of providing results in about 12 minutes.
Note: This manual includes a number of analyzer screens and computer screen captures. The
analyzer screens are illustrations only, not exact duplications. All screens represent typi-
cal use and installations, and may differ in some minor details from the screens on your
system.
General Information 1-3