VetScan VSpro® FAQ
- What is blood coagulation?
- What is the VetScan VSpro PT/aPTT Combination Test Cartridge?
- How long does a PT/aPTT test take on the VetScan VSpro?
- What is the shelf life of the PT/aPTT Combination Test Cartridge?
- What type of sample is used?
- What is the proper order of sample collection when filling multiple tubes?
- How many test results does the VetScan VSpro store?
- What is blood coagulation?
Coagulation is the process by which blood forms clots through the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen. Formation of a blood clot can be simplified in coagulation theory into three inter-related pathways: the intrinsic pathway and the extrinsic pathway, both leading to the common pathway and the formation of a stable fibrin clot.
back to top - What is the VetScan VSpro PT/aPTT Combination Test Cartridge?
The VetScan PT/aPTT Combination Test Cartridge is a small plastic device consisiting of a sophisticated micro-fluidic system which incorporates the infrastructure, reagents and a self-contained process for a test to proceed. Each cartridge contains two optical detection windows - one for detecting PT clotting time, while the other window is for aPTT clot detection.
back to top - How long does a PT/aPTT test take on the VetScan VSpro?
The time it takes to perform a measurement depends on factors such as the type of test and the test environment. At room temperature, it takes about 90 seconds for the analyzer to warm up the test cartridge to 37 °C (98.6 °F). Lower and higher ambient temperatures may impact the warm up time. Tests are usually completed in less than 10 minutes. All clotting times are reported in units of seconds.
back to top - What is the shelf life of the PT/aPTT Combination Test Cartridge?
Average shelf for the PT/aPTT Combination Test Cartridge is 12 months from date of manufacture. To ensure optimal performance through the expiration date, Abaxis requires the cartgridges to be refrigerated at 2-8 °C (36-46 °F)
back to top - What type of sample is used?
Coagulation analyses require citrate-treated blood (from a blue top tube containing 3.2% or 3.8% sodium citrate). It is important to ensure that your sample is well mixed and contains optimal proportions of blood and sodium citrate. The following guidelines should be followed: To prevent contamination, always fill sample collection tubes in this order: red top, green top, blue top, purple top. Use a syringe that has an appropriate gauge needle to avoid mechanical hemolysis while obtaining the sample. Clean the venipuncture site with alcohol and allow to air dry completely. Collect blood directly into an evacuated tube containing sodium citrate. It is very important to collect the appropriate amount of blood for the size of citrate tube being used. Tubes must be filled to the manufacturer's recommended level to ensure accurate test results. Gently invert the blood-filled citrate tube 8-10 times to enhance the mixing of the blood sample and the citrate in the tube. Blood samples should be collected about 5 minutes before testing to stabilize the mixture of blood and the citrate. If testing is delayed, keep the blood sample at room temperature. Blood may be tested up to two hours after it has been collected without affecting the test result.
back to top - What is the proper order of sample collection when filling multiple tubes?
To prevent contamination, always fill sample collection tubes in this order: red top - no anticoagulant; green top - lithium heparin anticoagulant for chemistry only; blue top - sodium citrate anticoagulant for coagulation only; purple top - EDTA anticoagulant - for hematology only. Do not use sodium citrate (blue top) for any samples to be run on a chemistry or hematology analyzer.
back to top - How many test results does the VetScan VSpro store?
The VetScan VSpro stores 1000 test results. Test results can be recalled by date, time patient ID, sample ID or patient name.
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