Piccolo® xpress FAQ

  1. Can the analyzer be connected to an external computer, printer, LIS or EMR?
  2. Can expired discs be used in the Piccolo xpress?
  3. What is the shelf life of the reagent discs?
  4. Do discs require warm-up time before use?
  5. Can discs be frozen and used later?
  6. What types of samples can be used with the Piccolo xpress?
  7. What is the proper order of sample collection when filling multiple tubes?
  8. What are the power requirements needed to operate the analyzer?
  9. Is surge protection or an uninterruptible power supply required for the Piccolo?
  10. What do the black symbols on the results printout mean?
  11. Should controls be run on the Piccolo xpress?
  12. Where can control samples be purchased?
  1. Can the analyzer be connected to an external computer, printer, LIS or EMR?

    The Piccolo xpress can be connected to an external computer or printer. Sample results, control results, and status reports are automatically transmitted through the USB port of the analyzer every time they are calculated or prepared. Popular terminal emulation software, such as Windows 95 HyperTerminal may be used to collect the data from the Piccolo. The Piccolo xpress supports the ASTM E 1394-97 communications protocol. The data can be transferred to many commercially available data management programs. Check with your software vendor or Abaxis® Technical Support for more information.

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  2. Can expired discs be used in the Piccolo xpress?

    No. The analyzer has a built-in sensor to determine if the disc has expired. If it has, the analyzer will cancel the run and display a Code 13 error message.
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  3. What is the shelf life of the reagent discs?

    The shelf life of a reagent disc ranges from 6-18 months depending on the type of disc (see package for expiration date). Abaxis® recommends that the discs be stored refrigerated at 2-8° C (36-46° F) and used directly from the refrigerator. Reagent discs stored above 8° C will degrade faster throughout their shelf life.
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  4. Do discs require warm-up time before use?

    No. We recommend that discs be used one at a time directly from the refrigerator for optimal performance.
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  5. Can discs be frozen and used later?

    No, discs MUST NOT be frozen. Reagent discs MUST be refrigerated at 2-8° C (36-46° F).
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  6. What types of samples can be used with the Piccolo xpress?

    Lithium-heparin whole blood, lithium-heparin plasma, or serum. Do not use EDTA as an anti-coagulant.
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  7. What is the proper order of sample collection when filling multiple tubes?
    1. Red top tubes (plain, no additive).
    2. Green top tubes (lithium heparin).
    3. Lavender top tubes (EDTA additive).
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  8. What are the power requirements needed to operate the analyzer?

    The analyzer requires 100-240 volts AC, 50-60 Hz or 15 volts DC, 5.0A.
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  9. Is surge protection or an uninterruptible power supply required for the Piccolo xpress?

    Abaxis recommends that the Piccolo be plugged into a surge protector designed for use with a computer. Abaxis recommends the use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) if the Piccolo will be used in an area prone to electrical surges or power outages. UPS with surge protection may be purchased through Abaxis if desired.
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  10. What do the black symbols on the results print out mean?

    The three black symbols mean that the results for that particular chemistry were suppressed. The analyzer is designed to give accurate results. If the analyzer is unable to give accurate results, it will suppress those results rather than print them. Collect a new sample and re-run the test. If results for the second sample are suppressed, contact Abaxis Technical Support (800) 822-2947 for assistance.
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  11. Should controls be run on the Piccolo xpress?

    Abaxis recommends control testing as follows: at least every 30 days, whenever laboratory conditions have changed significantly, when training or re-training personnel is indicated, when test results do not match patient symptoms or clinical findings. Please see Section 2.4, "Testing Procedure and Interpretation of Results," in the Piccolo Operator Manual. (see also iQC document for further information.)

    The controls are analyzed the same as the patient samples; the only difference is that the results are stored in a memory separate from the sample results memory. It makes recalling control results easier. See Section 6, "Calibration and Quality Control," in the Piccolo xpress Operator's Manual.
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  12. Where can control samples be purchased?

    Controls can be purchased directly from Nova - One. Call 1-800-810-7488.
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