How to Use the Accutrend Lactate/Accusport Analyzers

The following steps illustrate the mechanics of using the Accutrend Lactate/Accusport Portable Lactate Analyzer, and show how easy it is to use. The product is light-weight (about 100 gm or 4 oz) and fits in the palm of your hand. It is used with lactate strips that come in vials of 25 strips. (See the end of the usage instructions for information on how to code the analyzer.)

 
 

1. There is an off/on button on the meter. Press this button to turn on the meter. The screen will initially flash the numbers 88.8.

 

 
 

2. When the meter is turned on, a code number for the Accusport or Accutrend lactate strips is displayed. For example, suppose the number 608 appears on the display. This indicates the meter is calibrated for strips from lot number 608. To change this number to reflect a new lot of strips you simply place a coding strip into the meter. Every box of strips contains one of these coding strips. Coding takes about 5 seconds but it is important to read the coding instructions at the end of this page.

 
3. Take a new strip out of the vial and insert the strip into the slot at the base of the meter. The machine will beep if the strip is ok and the word "code" will stop blinking in the display. The code number will remain on the display.
 
4. Open the flap at the base of the meter revealing the strip that has just been inserted.
 
5. The display will now show 60 indicating it will take 60 seconds to measure lactate in a sample, once the blood is applied to the strip and the flap is closed.
 
6. Apply a drop of blood to the yellow pad in the middle of the strip. The pad must be covered completely. A good sized blood drop will cover the strip or about 20-25 micro liters of blood if you are using a lab measuring device. This can also be done with the Reflotron applicator that is included with every test package. The Reflotron applicator uses capillary tubes and makes this process very easy.
 
7. Close the flap immediately. The display will still show 60 seconds but will begin to count down to zero. When zero is reached the machine will beep and then display the lactate value. In this example, the lactate value is 3.4 mmol/l.
 
8. Open the flap and withdraw the test strip. Dispose of the test strip properly. Close the flap and prepare for the next test (Step 3).

These steps must be accompanied by proper blood handling techniques!

Initial Steps - There are additional steps necessary in setting up the meter for the first time. These take about 5 minutes and will not have to be repeated as long as the batteries in the meter are charged, or you want to change some settings. See User's manual.

Coding - When you first get the Accutrend Lactate/Accusport analyzer or later when you change the lot of test strips or remove the batteries for any extended time you will have to code the analyzer. To do this you will use the code strip for the current lot of test strips. One of these code strips is taped to each vial of test strips. This code strip contains the calibrating information for the current lot of test strips on a bar code.

To code the analyzer it must be turned on and the flap closed over the measuring area. The code strip is then inserted into the slot at the base of the analyzer. As soon as the code is inserted into the slot as far as it can go, it must be quickly removed. The strip will then calibrate the analyzer for the current lot of test strips based on the information on the code strip. A frequent mistake users make is to insert the code strip in the measuring slot and delay taking it out immediately. If this is done the analyzer will indicate an error. (See User's manual)

Cautions - While the machine is easy to use and quick, it is not a toy and should be treated like a lab instrument. The machine will provide valid blood lactate readings if proper technique is followed. Also it is vitally important to follow proper blood handling techniques and dispose of materials according to local health regulations.

 

Accutrend Lactate Information

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Questions, Comments and Ordering Information:

1-800-462-2876 (U.S.A. and Canada)

1-914-747-8572 | 1-914 -741-5623 (fax)

Send email to: info@lactate.com

Last update February 27, 2011 All contents © Sports Resource Group, Inc.