Preventing Preanalytical Errors on the Atellica® VTLi Immunoassay Analyzer

Preventing Preanalytical Errors On the Atellica® VTLi Immunoassay Analyzer The preanalytical phase is the most error-prone phase of laboratory and point-of-care testing. Some preanalytical errors are not easily detected by automated systems but the errors can have an impact on test results. Preanalytical factors that can affect results include patient preparation and identification, sample type, the age of the sample, and sample handling. While errors are not completely preventable, training and proper quality control measures can greatly reduce their occurence. The two main preanalytical errors that can result in erroneous results on the Atellica VTLi are:  Under or Over- Filling Sample Tubes  Improper Mixing of Sample Tubes Preventing Under or Over-Filled Sample Tubes Ensure that tubes with an indicated fill line or minimum fill line are appropriately filled. To achieve an optimum ratio of blood to anticoagulant, the volume of blood should fill the tube to the line indicated on the tube label. For vacuum tubes, allowing the tube to completely fill until the vacuum is exhausted reduces the risk of underfilling the tube.  Underfilled tubes lead to an incorrect ratio between anticoagulant and blood  Overfilled tubes increase the risk of clots and microclots forming V X X Unrestricted | Published by Siemens Healthcare GmbH © Siemens Healthcare GmbH, 2022 SIEMENS Master Template Effective Date: 10 Aug 2021 | HILS 2224 Job Aid Effective Date: 20 SEP 2022 | HOOD05162003295576 Healthineers Job Aid | Preventing Preanalytical Errors Effective Date: 20 SEP 2022 | HOOD05162003295576 Improper Mixing of Filled Sample Tubes Timing and mixing intensity are essential components of correct sample mixing. Samples should be gently inverted immediately after collection to mix anticoagulant with the blood, reducing in tube clotting, hemolysis, or bubble formation.  Delayed inversion of the tube may cause clotting or microclotting  Improper mixing intensity - under mixing or vigorously shaking tube after collection  Always refer to the specific tube/anticoagulant Instructions For Use for filling or mixing technique Commonly used sample mixing technique: Holding tube upright, gently invert 180 degrees and back 8-10 times. x 8-10 Holding the Gently invert tube upright tube 180 degrees and back SIEMENS Unrestricted | Published by Siemens Healthcare GmbH © Siemens Healthcare GmbH, 2022 Master Template Effective Date 10 Aug 2021 | HILS 2224 Healthineers Page 2 of 3 Job Aid | Preventing Preanalytical Errors Effective Date: 20 SEP 2022 | HOOD05162003295576 Please note that the learning material is for training purposes only. For the proper use of the software or hardware, please always use the Operator Manual or Instructions for Use (hereinafter collectively “Operator Manual”) issued by Siemens Healthineers. This material is to be used as training material only and shall by no means substitute the Operator Manual. Any material used in this training will not be updated on a regular basis and does not necessarily reflect the latest version of the software and hardware available at the time of the training. The Operator Manual shall be used as your main reference, in particular for relevant safety information like warnings and cautions. Please note: Some functions shown in this material are optional and might not be part of your system. Certain products, product related claims or functionalities (hereinafter collectively “Functionality”) may not (yet) be commercially available in your country. Due to regulatory requirements, the future availability of said Functionalities in any specific country is not guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers sales representative for the most current information. The reproduction, transmission or distribution of this training or its contents is not permitted without express written authority. Offenders will be liable for damages. All names and data of patients, parameters and configuration dependent designations are fictional and examples only. All rights, including rights created by patent grant or registration of a utility model or design, are reserved. © Siemens Healthcare GmbH 2022 Siemens Healthineers Headquarters Siemens HealthcareGmbH Henkestr. 127 91052 Erlangen, Germany Phone: +49 9131 84-0 siemens-healthineers.com SIEMENS Unrestricted | Published by Siemens Healthcare GmbH © Siemens Healthcare GmbH, 2022 Master Template Effective Date 10 Aug 2021 | HILS 2224 Healthineers Page 3 of 3