Frequently Asked
Questions

How is a blood sample collected?

Use capillary tubes or collectors to collect fingerstick whole blood. Venous whole blood samples can be collected in EDTA tubes (lavender tops) or heparin tubes (green tops).

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How much blood is needed for each test strip?

  • Single chemistry tests (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Glucose, and Ketone), require 15 µL of whole blood.
  • Lipid Panel tests require 35-40 µL of whole blood.
  • Chol+Glu test panels require 25-30 µL of whole blood.
  • Creatinine tests require 20 µL of whole blood.

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How is LDL-cholesterol calculated?

  • The CardioChek PA POC instrument automatically calculates LDL values when using Lipid Panel Test Strips or the Direct LDL test strip.
  • If using individual test chemistries with CardioChek PA POC instrument, first test Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides using new, unused test strips. Then use the following formula to calculate:
    LDL Cholesterol = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides/5)
  • Or, click here to access the CardioChek LDL calculator

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How do you change the settings for the CardioChek PA POC instrument?

To change the settings on a Cardiochek PA or CardioChek analyzer, go to the USER SET prompt and press the "Enter" button. Follow the prompts.

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What if the test results are in decimals or appear to be higher or lower than expected?

The UNITS menu needs to be reset from INTL to US or vice versa. To change units:

  1. Press the "Enter" button until RUN TEST is displayed.
  2. Press the "Next" button until USER SET displays.
  3. Press the "Enter" button once and then press the "Next" button until UNITS displays.
  4. Press the "Enter" button to view units (either US or INTL). Press the "Enter" button to accept current setting or the "Next" button followed by the "Enter" button to change the units.

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What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument reads CHECK STRIP FAILED?

  • Inspect the optical glass in the analyzer where the test strip is inserted. Is it clean, dry and free from fingerprints? If not, clean with alcohol wipe and dry completely with gauze or lint-free cloth or tissue.
  • Is the check strip damaged or dirty? If so, clean with soap & water or alcohol wipe, or replace.
  • Has the strip been inserted right side up along the guides?
  • Has the meter been dropped or stored in extreme conditions?
  • Is the analyzer being operated inside, away from direct sun or lamp light?
  • Have you checked the batteries?
  • Important: Do not report results until check strip passes

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What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument reads "< or >" or
another unexpected result occurs?

  • Results are above or below measuring range.
  • High temperatures affect the strips. Has the vial of strips been stored in extreme conditions?
  • Has the vial been tightly capped immediately after removing the test strip? (The test strips should not be removed from the vial for long periods of time because the strips are adversely affected by humidity.)
  • Is the comparative laboratory method the same as the CardioChek method?
  • Are you using whole blood? (Ketone is the only test strip that uses whole blood, serum, or plasma. All other test strips require fingerstick whole blood or venous whole blood collected in either EDTA or heparin tubes.)
  • Is an adequate sample size used? Too much or too little blood may give an inaccurate result. Check your package insert for the correct sample size. (Most single tests require 15 µL; multiple test panels require 25 µL - 40 µL.) A capillary blood collector, capillary tube, or pipet must be used to ensure accurate dosing.
  • Did you apply blood to the test strip with the test strip inserted in the analyzer? If not, the analyzer may not produce correct results.
  • Have you changed the batteries?
  • Does the check strip pass?
  • Has the optical glass in the analyzer (where the strip is inserted) been cleaned properly?
  • Check the back of the strip after testing. The membrane must be a uniform color. If there are any blotches, the test results may be affected. Test again with a fresh, unused test strip.

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What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument reads LOT EXPIRED?

  • What is the expiration date on the vial of strips?
  • If the strips are not past their expiration date, check to make sure the date on the analyzer is set correctly. To check the date:
    1. Press the "Enter" button until you see the RUN TEST display.
    2. Press the "Next" button until USER SET displays.
    3. Press the "Enter" button once and then press the "Next" button until SET DATE displays.
    4. Press the "Enter" button three times to display MONTH, DAY and YEAR.
  • To change the date, follow steps 1-4 above, but press the "Next" button followed by the "Enter" button to change the date. (Or you can turn the CardioChek off and turn it on and watch the display until the date is displayed.)

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What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument will not recognize the MEMo Chip®?
How should the MEMo Chip be inserted?

  • Is the MEMo Chip installed properly? The notched side of the MEMo Chip faces up.
  • Was the chip inserted before the analyzer was turned on? If so, press the "Enter" button twice so the analyzer can recognize that the MEMo Chip has been inserted.

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What should be done if the Control Solution received does not correlate to the value for the lot of test strips received?

The Control Solution was most likely manufactured and distributed prior to the lot of strips that you have. Click here to find the Control Solutions Range Values on this website.

You may also call PTS Customer Service at:

+1 (877) 870-5610 (toll free inside US)

+1 (317) 870-5610 (outside US)

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