iSTAT CG8 cartridge

We use the i-STAT  and compare to the CORE LAB ABL 900 series. They correlate fairly well.

Sorry....800 series.

We correlate with ABL90 (in one facility) and RapidPoint (4 facilities), along with core lab when needed.  
1. We rotate units that have RT instruments.  
2. We prefer fresh draws for our method comparisons, as they seem to provide better results, but we frequently utilize specimens collected with the early morning run. 
3.  It can be done with two people.  If you are collecting fresh samples - 3 people are better to keep things moving (one to collect, one POCC, and one RT).  We find this works quite well.  Preparation is key.  
4. Having the ABL90 ready to go will help things keep moving, as well.  Have a new reagent pack in, work with the timing of the auto-calibration; etc. 
5.  We keep hard copies of the tapes from each instrument and simply attach them to another sheet of paper so we can enter the data into our spreadsheet at a later time.  We do this as we go along.
Hope all goes well... 

In 2020 Abbott changed the IFU.  The sample must be collected in a heparin tube, mixed appropriately then added to cartridge.  My predecessor didn't make this change.  It has been a challenge to retrain our users.  Several would rather not use the iSTAT.  Change is hard.  The VISTA comparison studies are still ongoing. The CG4 values are very poor when compared to the VISTA lactic acid.  

I have compared CG8+ to GEM 5000's and Rapidpoints and they all correlated well.  As mentioned earlier, sample timing/handling is key.

Thank you all very much!! Very much appreciated. Great to have this group!!