How is a blood sample collected?
A small drop of fingerstick whole blood must be collected using a lancet and plastic blood collector provided in the test strip package.
How much blood is needed for each test strip?
Single chemistry tests (Cholesterol, HDL, and Triglycerides), require 15µl of whole blood. Plastic blood collector collects exact amount of blood required for the test.
How are the settings changed on the CardioChek analyser (i.e. time, date, language, etc.)?
To change the settings on the CardioChek analyser, go to the USER SET prompt and press the "Enter" button and simply follow the prompts.
How is LDL cholesterol calculated?
First, test cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides using new, unused test strips. Then use the following formula to calculate your estimated LDL cholesterol:
NOTE: To calculate your estimated LDL cholesterol, you must fast for 9 hours prior to testing triglycerides. Never calculate an LDL if test results are outside the range of the CardioChek analyser (denoted by a < or > on the results screen) or if your triglycerides are >400.
What if "<",">" is displayed on screen or other unexpected results occur?
Results are above or below measuring range.
High temperatures affect the strips. Be sure the vial of strips has not been stored in extreme conditions.
Be sure the vial has been tightly capped immediately after removing any test strips. The test strips should not be removed from the vial until they are ready to be used because the strips are adversely affected by humidity. Remove one strip at a time and recap vial tightly.
Be sure whole blood was used.
Be sure an adequate sample size was used. Too much or too little blood may give an inaccurate result. The plastic blood collector ensures accurate volume.
Be sure blood was applied to the test strip with the test strip already inserted in the analyser.
Check to see if the batteries need to be replaced.
Use a check strip, provided in the kit, and make sure it passes.
Clean the optical glass in the analyser where the strip is inserted (see instructions for proper cleaning in the user manual). Also, make sure the optical glass is scratch free.
Check the back of the strip after testing. The membrane must be a uniform color. If there are any blotches, the test results may be affected. Test again with a fresh, unused test strip.
What if the analyser reads 'CHECK STRIP FAILED'?
Inspect the optical glass in the analyser where the test strip is inserted. It should be clean, dry and free from fingerprints. If not, clean with alcohol wipe and dry immediately with gauze or lint-free cloth or tissue.
Check to see if the check strip (gray plastic strip that comes with analyser) is damaged or dirty. If so, clean with soap and water or alcohol wipe, or replace.
Be sure the check strip has been inserted right side up.
Be sure the meter has not been dropped or stored in extreme conditions.
Be sure the analyser is being operated inside, away from direct sun or lamp light.
Check to see if the batteries need to be replaced.
What if the CardioChek analyser will not recognize the Memo Chip?
Be sure the Memo Chip was installed properly. The notched side of the Memo Chip faces up.
Be sure the chip was inserted before the analyzer was turned on. If not, press the "Enter" button twice so the analyzer can recognize that the Memo Chip has been inserted.
