How to Use the IDEXX VetTest®

Plasma or serum? You always have a choice with your IDEXX VetTest Chemistry analyser.

You can run a serum sample or a plasma sample using a lithium heparin tube with a gel barrier. The plasma sample will give you faster results, so you can quickly assess your patient's condition, make a diagnosis and begin treatment during the patient visit.

Plasma
We recommend using a a lithium heparin tube with a gel barrier.

1. Use the appropriate tube. DO NOT USE EDTA.
2. Use the appropriate sample collection device.
3. Draw the sample gently. Transfer if necessary.* Use the correct blood-to-lithium-heparin ratio.
4. Gently invert the sample for 30 seconds to mix.
5. Centrifuge the samples.
   Standard Centrifuge
   (8,000 rpm): 10 minutes
   
   High-Speed Centrifuge
   (StatSpin® ≥ 12,000 rpm): 120 seconds
   
   StatSpin Settings:
   StatSpin MP—Haematocrit Setting
   StatSpin VT—Hard Spin
6. Transfer the plasma sample to a sample cup.

Serum

1. Use the appropriate tube.
2. Use the appropriate sample collection device.
3. Draw the sample gently. Transfer if necessary.*
4. Let the sample clot for a minimum of 20 minutes.
5. Centrifuge the samples.
   
   Standard Centrifuge
   (8,000 rpm): 10 minutes
   
   High-Speed Centrifuge
   (StatSpin® ≥ 12,000 rpm): 120 seconds
   
   StatSpin Settings:
   StatSpin MP—Hematocrit Setting
   StatSpin VT—Hard Spin
6. Transfer the serum sample to a sample cup.

Running a Test

1. Enter NEW SAMPLE on the VetTest main menu and follow the screen prompts to enter patient information. Insert slides when prompted.
2. Place the tip securely on the pipettor.
3. Keep the pipettor vertical. BEFORE pressing the button, place the tip in the center of the sample. Press the pipettor button. You will hear 1 BEEP; ensure the sample is being aspirated into the tip.
4. At 2 BEEPS, remove the pipettor from the sample cup.
5. At 3 BEEPS, wipe the tip of the pipette with a lint-free wipe. Wipe down and around the tip in a twisting motion.
6. Examine the sample tip to ensure you haven't captured an air bubble. Replace the pipettor in the analyser's holder. The rest of the testing process occurs automatically. (1,069 KB)

Quick Tips for Best Practices

• Use only lint-free wipes to wipe the pipette tip. Facial tissues, paper towels and clothing leave particles behind that can interfere with spotting.

• Avoid contaminating the sample with EDTA. An EDTA-contaminated sample often has a calcium value of zero and also affects most other analytes.
  
  Visually inspect the sample before and after aspiration. A quick look will tell you if there are foreign particles or air bubbles that can cause inaccurate spotting of the slide. If you detect either, simply cancel your test run by pressing "C" and repipette the sample with a new tip.
  
  The small air cushion at the tip is normal.

• Run quality control monthly. IDEXX Technical Support is available seven days a week to answer your questions.

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