tep 1: Verify the type of cartridge to use and check the expiration date. Ensure the cartridge is at room temperature.

Step 2: Power on the analyzer (bottom right button). Select option 2 to run a new lab test. You will be prompted to enter you user ID (use the last 4 digits of your SSN); hit ENTER. You will have to reenter your ID for confirmation. Then enter patient ID (last 4 of the patient’s SSN, if available); hit enter. Repeat for confirmation.

Step 3: Scan the barcode on the cartridge packaging, (Figure A1); this defines for the analyzer which cartridge type is being run and it also checks the expiration date. Simply press and hold the SCAN button and point at the bar code on the cartridge packaging (Figure A1). The screen will then instruct you to insert a cartridge. You are ready to prepare the cartridge.

Step 4: Collect the blood sample. (Method is defined in Blood Sample Collection: Procedure for Arterial and Venous Draw).

Step 5: Tear open cartridge package and remove the cartridge, only touching edges (Figure A2). Touching the metal contacts on the top of the cartridge may affect results.

Step 6: Before injecting blood into the sample well, ensure there are no bubbles in the sample (these can affect CO2 results).

Step 7: Fill cartridge to the appropriate fill line (Figure A3). The Chem8+ and CG4+ cartridges have fill lines that are at the beginning of the blue segment (Figure 3); CG7 and CG8+ cartridges have a blue arrow (Figure 2). Use the best flat surface on the aircraft for injection. The sample well should be about halfway full

Step 8: Seal the cartridge’s sample well by rotating the well’s cover and snapping it closed (Figure A4) DO NOT press directly over the sample port, as blood may be pressurized, potentially bursting/failing the cartridge (Figure A5). Apply pressure only at the edge of cap when sealing

Step 9: Insert the cartridge into the analyzer; results will display in 2–4 minutes. Toggle arrow buttons to view different pages of results.