PFA-100® Analyzer Getting Started

Welcome to PFA-100® Analyzer Getting Started Online Training course. In this course, you will learn how to install the instrument and get the system online. NOTE: This course does not include audio. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Describe how to install the PFA-100® Analyzer Describe the tasks necessary to establish reference range results for PFA-100® tests Identify ways to announce the arrive of a new platelet function test to medical staff. Congratulations. You’ve completed the PFA-100® System Getting Started online training course. Listed below are the key points that have been presented.  Describe how to install the PFA-100® instrument. 1. Unpack: Select the site, and then unpack the PFA-100® system and accessories, and check inventory. 2. Install: Install the fuse and power cord, plug the system into an AC outlet, load printer paper, and then turn on the power. 3. Configure: Use the keypad to set the language, time, and date. If desired, you can also set up the automatic query for patient ID feature. Describe the tasks necessary to establish reference range results for PFA-100® tests. Select individuals with no previous history or laboratory results that indicate platelet dysfunction induced by intrinsic platelet defects, von Willebrand disease, or exposure to platelet inhibiting agents (such as Aspirin®) for at least 10 days prior to blood collection. Select a minimum of 20 subjects comprising an even distribution from both genders. Collect samples either in 3.2% or 3.8% buffered sodium citrate. Reference ranges are specific for the concentration of sodium citrate in the collection tube. Identify ways to announce the arrival of a new platelet function test to medical staff. Provide information about PFA-100® features and benefits to the medical community served by your laboratory, including laboratory staff, physicians (hematologists, anesthesiologists, internists, surgeons, cardiologists, residents, interns and medical students), nursing staff, and out-patient clinics. Be sure to elicit support from your laboratory director and pathologists. After installation, the system automatically initializes by performing a series of diagnostic tests. The system prints the results of each test as they are completed. After initialization, you are ready to prime the instrument by loading trigger solution and a priming cartridge. For details about installation tasks, refer to the PFA-100® Quick Start Guide. The Trigger Solution required for the PFA-100® operation is not included in the accessory box and must be ordered separately. Installation Learn about the installation process. Tab TitleTextUnpack Select the site Unpack the instrument and accessories Check inventory Install Install the fuse and power cord at the rear of the instrument Plug into an AC outlet Load printer paper Turn on the power to the instrument Configure Use the keypad to set the language, time, and date ​​Set up the automatic query for patient ID feature (optional) Establish a normal reference range for each test cartridge type to ensure test results fit your patient population. Recommended guidelines for establishing a normal reference range include the following: Select individuals with no previous history or laboratory results that indicate platelet dysfunction induced by intrinsic platelet defects, von Willebrand disease, or exposure to platelet inhibiting agents (such as Aspirin®) for at least 10 days prior to blood collection¹. Select a minimum of 20 subjects with even distribution from both genders. Collect samples in either 3.2% or 3.8% buffered sodium citrate. Reference ranges are specific for the concentration of sodium citrate in the collection tube. Reference ranges may need to be adjusted to fit the patient population routinely tested. To review NCCLS recommendations for establishing a normal reference range, refer to the Estimating a Normal Reference Interval for PFA-100® job aid provided as a download later in this course. ¹ Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 10th Edition, (G.R. Lee, J. Foerster, J. Lukens, F. Paraskevas, J.P. Greer and G.M. Rodgers, eds), Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Chapter 70: 1807.   After your PFA-100® analyzer is installed, and you’ve established your normal reference ranges, it’s time to communicate to your laboratory customers that a new test method that measures global platelet dysfunction, more precisely and efficiently than other traditional tests for platelet function, is now available. Provide information about PFA-100® features and benefits using memos, posters, fliers, lab newsletter, or hospital Intranet. Give presentations at grand rounds and at other key departmental meetings. Elicit support from your laboratory director and pathologists. Plan ahead and communicate early to the medical community served by your laboratory, including laboratory staff, physicians (hematologists, anesthesiologists, internists, surgeons, cardiologists, residents, interns and medical students), nursing staff, and out-patient clinics. Select the link to view or download a list of frequently asked questions about the PFA-100® system. PFA-100® FAQs Select a link to view or download a PDF version of the following job aids. PFA-100® System: Getting Started Guide PFA-100® Quick Start Guide Estimating a PFA®-100 Normal Reference Interval PFA®-100 Announcement PFA®-100 Support Packet for Medical Staff