Piccolo Xpress Manuel De L'opérateur page 84

6.2.2 Quality Control During Analysis
During analysis, the analyzer checks its components and the reagent disc to ensure accurate results.
Piccolo Xpress Analyzer
Before analysis begins, the analyzer's photometer takes readings with the light path obstructed and also
unobstructed, to determine the appropriate light intensity range, then makes sure the range is within
specification. It also continually checks the performance of the motor, flash, and optics during analysis.
Reagent Disc
The analyzer checks the reagent disc during analysis to confirm the following:
calibration factors

expiration date

presence of all reagent beads

timing of fluid movement through the disc

diluent and sample mixing

sufficient sample in the disc

proper dissolution of the reagent beads when mixed with sample

Each reagent disc also contains reagents to detect exposure to extreme conditions such as temperature
and humidity. The message
the expected ranges. Otherwise, no results are printed, and
The analyzer also monitors reaction performance. For rate chemistries, the analyzer confirms that the
reactions are linear with time and slope is within range, and monitors substrate depletion. In endpoint
chemistries, the analyzer verifies the flatness (completeness) of the endpoints.
Sample
Samples are checked for physical interference. The analyzer estimates the sample indices, hemolysis,
lipemia, and icterus using absorbance readings for the sample at 340 nm, 405 nm, and 467 nm, then
compares them to pre-established limits for each method. When all three indices are below the method
limits, the result for that method is printed on the result card. If even one index exceeds the limit, the
result for the method is suppressed and the error condition displayed as
6.3 Running External Controls
The Run Controls menu function automatically stores control results in a memory separate from the
patient results memory (see
search for specific control results without searching through all patient results stored in memory.
6-2
appears in the printout when results from these reagents are within
QC OK
"Running Controls" on page
Calibration and Quality Control
appears on the display.
run canceled
,
HEM
4-31). The Recall function may be used to
, or .
LIP ICT