Clinitek Status + and 10SG strip trace blood

When we experience this it's often a timing issue.  Check to see when the strip is being dipped in relation to when the start button on the meter is being pressed.

The timing of pressing start and then dipping is a talent on the Cliniteks. It is a great idea to visit how they dip and when they press start. On occasion I have needed to discuss how the instrument cut offs might be more sensitive that what the eye might see. The eye can vary by one pad either way, lighting and timing all play a part. Did they move from a visual read test strip that was not the 10SG? If so, the strip might have a different grading. Good Luck!

Erika Deaton-Mohney

As Angela said this is typically a timing problem. The strips are being dipped before pressing start. Another source is that they are not cleaning the carriage properly. Check the corners inside the slot where the strips are placed using an alcohol swab. use you fingernail to get it fully into the corner.  If it comes back with yellow on it you can suspect carryover due to cleaning problems. 

Other than timing, make sure they are cleaning the table insert each day. They also should clean between bloody or deeply colored urines. This can cause crossover and/or sample contamination. 

Thank you all. This is a new instrument to them (prev used Roche Urisys 1100) and I had an inkling it probably was timing, but wanted some professional back up!

I have also seen this when they don't clean the platform between patients. Instruct them to be VERY careful with patient testing as well as their proficiency samples! Good luck to you!

A couple of the clinics I monitor had that problem. So I watched  them do it. It was a timing problem with them.  I trained them to press START , then dip, blot and lay on test table. One of the MAs was dipping the strip and lingering too long in the urine  before blotting and testing. 
I also trained them to   wash the test tray under the faucet  if the urine is yukky. Clean the test tray after each urine sample. It seemed to have  fixed their problem. 

I agree with Pet. I find that sometimes departments are not thoroughly cleaning the test table before using and that can lead to false positive blood.

I agree with what everyone is saying. Pressing START and then dipping the strip. They get very stressed by the 8 seconds and want to get some more time so they dip and then press START. I talk to them about the timing and how it's now off if they do it this way. Always tell them the WHY behind the process so you get better "buy in" from them :).
I also stress the cleaning of the test table insert after each sample.