• Controls should be kept refrigerated, but away from the freezer section and not in the door sections
• Cartridge should be at room temperature. A single cartridge takes a minimum of 5 minutes to equilibrate to room temperature. Cartridges can be left at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
• Control vial should be at room temperature. For panels including oxygen, the vial should be equilibrated at room temperature for a minimum of 4hours. Vials can be left at room temperature for up to 5 days
• If using a syringe, do not prime it before use
• Hold the control vial top to bottom between thumb and forefinger. Holding the barrel of the vial causes the liquid to warm and to change the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the liquid phase
• Shake the vial vigorously for 5-10 seconds. There should be a froth on top of the liquid
• Do not knock out the liquid from the top of the vial before snapping open
• Insert the needle to the bottom of the vial to draw up the liquid
• Do not try to expel any air bubbles from the syringe
• Add to the sample port in one smooth movement
• If using capillary tubes to transfer the control material, do not stab at the hole, as this may cause a vacuum and pull air through the sample
• Use the vial immediately on opening. An open vial will equilibrate with air, e.g. causing raised oxygen results in level 1 control

This fact sheet, and loads of other useful information, can also be downloaded from the respiratory section of our web site.

The latest version of the i-STAT analyser CLEW software will be sent out week commencing 25th May 2009. The current software will expire on 24th June 2009 and the A17 CLEW is valid until 16th December 2009.

To perform the update, you will need to connect your Downloader to a serial port on your PC, using the grey lead with D connectors at each end. If your PC only has USB ports, you will need to purchase a USB/serial port converter (and install the software (if any) that comes with the converter). The Downloader should also be plugged into the power supply.

On receipt of this software CD, please insert it into your computer and open the file ‘A17 Analyser Software’, then click on ‘Jammlite.exe’ and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure that you have selected the correct i-STAT model and do not place the analyser into the Downloader until the software looks for the instrument. Full instructions for the update procedure can be found in the i-STAT Technical Bulletin, which is in the folder ‘Jammlite documentation’.

Please print out and review the Value Assignment Control sheets for the cartridges you use and ensure that the person responsible for quality control has a copy of this information. Only valid sheets must be used with this version of the software. They can be found in the folder ‘Value Assignment Sheets (Control Sheets)’. Please note the CLEW version you are running when checking the correct control values.

There is an updated System Manual on this CD, which replaces any previous versions you may have. Alternatively, there is a set of System Manual update sheets in a separate file of the same name, which can be printed out and added to your existing manual.

For Central Data Station (CDS) software users ONLY – there is a mandatory CDS upgrade (version 5.23a) with this release. Please ensure that the A17.CLW file is copied to C:/Istat32/Clews. This CLEW will then be available for selection in the Customisation section of the Central Data Station.

If you experience any difficulties, or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me by telephone on: 01480 862100, or by e-mail at: sue.younghusband@axis-shielduk.com.

Thank you for using the i-STAT system.