Hemoglobin Testing Using the HemoCue

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Hemoglobin TestingUsing the HemoCue
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Instrument calibration

• At the beginning of each survey day, check the
  instrumentaccuracy using the calibrator
  cuvette. Record readings.
• If readings are in question, clean the cuvette
  holder and calibrator cuvette with a dry Kim
  wipe.
• If readings continue to be outside the correct
  range or reads ERROR, do not use the instrument.
  It should be serviced or replaced.
• If the calibrator cuvette reads within the
  specified range listed on its container, report
  the result and perform daily quality control (QC)
  on the instrument.

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Daily quality control

• Perform daily QC (morning and evening) by
  measuring and recording the results for each of
  the low, normal, and high range control vials.
• Report results on the HemoCue Hemoglobin Quality
  Control Form.

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Morning quality control
HemoCue Serial Number Low control lot number
CDC Number Normal control lot number
Control cuvette number High control lot number
Quality control for blood hemoglobin results
(grams per deciliter - g/dL)
Morning Morning Morning Morning Morning Morning
Date Control Cuvette specific for the Instrument Low Target 8.0 0.4 (7.6 - 8.4) Normal Target 11.9 0.6 (11.3-12.5) High Target 15.9 0.8 (15.1 - 16.7) Initials



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Procedure from a Microtainer or Vacutainer

1. Assemble all the materials needed prior to
   testing each subject. Reseal the cuvette
   container immediately after taking out one
   cuvette for use.
2. Remove the cap from the well-mixed Microtainer or
   Vacutainer tube.

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Procedure from a Microtainer or Vacutainer

1. Fill the HemoCue cuvette by holding the
   Microtainer or Vacutainer tube in a horizontal
   position and carefully tilt the blood forward to
   the edge of the tube. Place the pointed tip
   (with the cuvettes groove facing upward) of the
   HemoCue cuvette into the blood drop for a count
   of three. The cuvette will fill automatically by
   capillary action.

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Procedure from a Microtainer or Vacutainer

1. Never try to top off the cuvette after the
   initial filling. If the cuvette is not filled
   with the first attempt, discard it in the sharps
   container and use a second cuvette.
2. Wipe off any excess blood from the cuvette with a
   Kim wipe, being careful not to touch the outer
   curved edge. This may be done by wiping the
   edges as you would a butter knife. Ensure that
   no blood is sucked out of the cuvette when
   wiping it.

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Procedure from a Microtainer or Vacutainer

1. Place the cuvette in its holder and gently push
   the holder into the photometer. The results will
   be displayed in approximately 15-45 seconds and
   will remain displayed for 4 minutes or until the
   slide arm is pulled out for removal of the
   cuvette.

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Procedure from a Microtainer or Vacutainer

• Record your results, dispose of the cuvette in
  the sharps container, and dispose of all other
  materials in the biohazard bag.

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Evening quality control

• Measure and record the results for each of the
  low, normal, and high range control vials.
• Report results on the HemoCue Hemoglobin Quality
  Control Form.

Evening Evening Evening Evening Evening
Date Low Target 8.0 0.4 (7.6 - 8.4) Normal Target 11.9 0.6 (11.3-12.5) High Target 15.9 0.8 (15.1 - 16.7) Initials



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HemoCue cleaning instructions

• Once or twice a day, clean the cuvette holder
  with an alcohol pad.
• Allow to completely dry before testing.
• Periodically, clean the reading chamber with dry
  gauze.
• More detailed cleaning instructions are provided
  in the manual.