establish ranges for iSTAT CG8+ on babies NICU

Are you referring to reference ranges that you need to established?  You can use ranges from literature, then verify them by using results from 20 babies whom appear to be healthy and not on any medication.  If 18 out of 20 are within the literature range, it is considered established.

For correlation and validation, you can use adult blood.  What you are looking for is how well the iSTAT in NICU correlate to your Gold Standard or your core lab.   

Don- thank you so much for your respond. I'm so glad I got your help.

So for Reference range: i can get it from Abbott (which is also our Ref range for adult here at other dept), and then run at least 20 samples from healthy babies to verify until I can get 18 of them within range. please correct me if i don't get it right.

What about Reportable range? How can I establish it? do you have a policy or reporting results you can share?

I've been calling several hospitals in town but unfortunately they don't use CG8/blood gas iSTAT in NICU. I used to be a general tech & now by myself on POC.

I appreciate your help! thank you!

Kim, no problem. 

Ref range:  Correct, if 18 out of the 20 are within that range, you can use it.

Reportable range:  Should be in the package insert or operator's manual.  If not, contact Abbott for it.  Purchase linearity kits from Abbott or other manufacturers to verify it.  Usually the kits consist of 3-5 samples.  Follow the kit instruction and run each sample at least 2x.  If results are within each acceptable range and the low and high end are close to the manufacturer range, it is considered verified. 

If don't use iSTAT, so I can't share the reportable range with you. 

wonderful! very clear!

thank you so much Don. I appreciate your help!