Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if my analyzer reads
CHECK STRIP FAILED?
What if I get "empty" or unexpected results?
What if the analyzer reads LOT EXPIRED?
What if the CardioChek PA or CardioChek analyzer will not recognize
the MEMo Chip? Am I inserting the MEMo chip correctly?
What if Test results are in decimals or appear to be higher or
lower than expected?
How can I collect a blood sample?
How much blood is needed for each test strip?
How do I change settings on a CardioChek PA or CardioChek
analyzer?
The Control Solution I received does not have the value included
for the lot of Strips that I received. What should I do?
How do I calculate my LDL?
What if my analyzer 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 and 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?
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What if I get "empty" or unexpected results?
- 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 analyzer 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:
- Press the "Enter" button
until
you see the RUN TEST display.
- Press the "Next" button
until
USER SET displays.
- Press the "Enter" button once
and then press the "Next" button until
SET DATE displays.
- 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 or CardioChek analyzer will not recognize the MEMo
Chip? Am I inserting the MEMo chip correctly?
- 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 if 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:
- Press the "Enter" button until
you see RUN TEST display.
- Press the "Next" button until
USER SET displays.
- Press the "Enter" button once
and then press the "Next" button until UNITS displays.
- 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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How can I collect a blood sample?
- Fingerstick whole blood may be collected in capillary tubes or collectors.
Venous whole blood samples can be collected in EDTA tubes (Lavender tops) or
Heparin tubes (Green top).
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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 do I change settings on a CardioChek PA or CardioChek analyzer?
- 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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The Control Solution I received does not list the value I need to test the lot
of Strips I received. What should I do?
- The Control Solution was most likely manufactured and distributed prior to
the lot of strips that you have. You can call PTS Customer Service Toll-free
(U.S.) at (877) 870-5610, and they will provide you with the values that you
need. You can also click here to look up your values on this website.
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How do I calculate my LDL?
- CardioChek Lipid Panel Test Strips will automatically calculate LDL values
(require CardioChek PA analyzer). If using individual test chemistries with
either CardioChek PA or CardioChek analyzers, 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)
