Istat Beta HCG
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For those of you already using the Istat for Beta HCG testing; Can you share any concerns or hurdles for this test? I see it's not waived so more work for me. I have reviewed the cartridge information and see there are some concerns like clotting, hemolysis, full tube and sample less than 30 minutes old that can all affect your results. Are you using some sort of paper form as a crutch to make sure the ED is checking the sample every time for all these known limitations?
Katie Blauwet, POCC
Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls SD
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We're not using the iSTAT hCG method, but it looks like many of the same limitations as other iSTAT cartridges. Hemolysis and clotting are always an issue and unfortunately the iSTAT does not have a specific hemolysis flag. I would suggest using a (dry) heparinized syringe rather than a vacutainer tube to avoid the clotting and the 'full tube' requirement.
At our facility we give nurses as many tips as possible for avoiding hemolysis, which is about all you can do when using whole blood. Our biggest cause of hemolysis was the SmartSite valve on the line start equipment, so we have them remove that and connect the syringe tip right to the end of the line.
Hope that helps a bit.