miniCHEM

  • Quantitatively detects coagulation functions in various animals
  • Simultaneous detection of multiple biochemical biomarkers
  • Rapid turnaround, short processing time
  • User-Centric Design
  • Space-Efficient Design
  • Versatile Two-in-One Functionality
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Specification

Methodology:
Photometric/colorimetric methods
Sample types:
Whole blood, plasma, serum
Reagent types:
Lyophilized reagent
Sample volume:
50μL ~ 180μL
Testing time:
12 mins
Species:
Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, pigs, monkeys, lizards, horses, cows, sheep, turtles, etc
Display screen:
5-inch touchscreen
Dimensions:
309mm X 218mm X 208mm
Weight:
3.45 kg
Data transmission:
WiFi, USB, LAN
Data printing:
Built-in thermal printer / PDF Report Generator

Workflow

① Click to start

② Scan QR code

③ Add sample

④ Perform Test

⑤ Get results in 12 minutes

⑥ Print/Save report

Q & A

Q1. What types of specimens can be used with the miniCHEM test panel?

For Biochemical Testing:

Serum without anticoagulants (red-top tube, gold-top tube)

Heparinized whole blood or plasma using a green-top (lithium heparin) tube

 

For Coagulation Function Testing:

Whole blood or plasma collected with a blue-top (sodium citrate) tube

Q2. How much specimen volume is required for each test?

The specimen volume requirements are as follows:

Coagulation function testing: 180μL

Blood chemistry Testing: 140μL (microquantity test disc requires 50μL)

When using serum or plasma as the specimen, it is recommended to draw 2-3 times the required volume of whole blood to ensure adequate specimen volume.

Q3. How long can the specimen be stored after collection?

The sample should be tested within 60 minutes of collection. If testing is not possible, plasma should be separated and stored at 2-8℃, not exceeding 6 hours of storage time.

Q4. What dilution solutions can be used?

When diluting a sample, it is recommended to use pure water, injection water, or deionized water. It is important to follow the instructions for the specific volume required for each test. Avoid using solutions such as saline, mineral water, or tap water for dilution, as these can cause inaccurate results.

Q5. Which animal species can be tested?

Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, pigs, monkeys, lizards, horses, cows, sheep, turtles, etc. Other species can be added, but reference ranges need to be established manually.

Q6. How long does each test take?

The testing of each sample takes around 12 to 15 minutes.

Q7. Will the condition of the sample interfere with the analysis?

Common interfering factors include hemolysis, lipemia, and jaundice, with their degree of interference affecting test results.

Q8. How are samples that exceed the detection limit handled?

At times, the measured values during testing may fall outside the detection limit that the analyzer can detect. This can happen when values are greater than (“>”) the detection limit or when there are interfering substances present in the sample, leading to invalid or non-linear results. In such cases, if necessary, the sample must be diluted and retested. To dilute plasma and serum samples, saline (0.9%) should be used, whereas whole blood should not be used for dilution. Please refer to the manual for specific instructions regarding dilution.

Q9. Will using the wrong anticoagulant/blood collection tube affect the results?

Using the correct anticoagulant in blood collection tubes is crucial for accurate test results.

Q10. If an animal needs both chemistry and rapid/PCR tests, can the same blood sample be used?

It’s important to use the correct anticoagulant when collecting blood samples for testing. Blood chemistry tests require the use of lithium heparin (green-top tube), while PCR tests require EDTA (purple-top tube). Using the wrong anticoagulant can affect the results, so be sure to use the appropriate collection tube for the test you are conducting. Both EDTA and lithium heparin can be used for rapid tests. When collecting multiple samples, it’s recommended to follow this order: red-top tube → green-top tube → purple-top tube. This will help ensure accurate results and prevent any adverse effects on the samples.

Q11. Is sodium citrate anticoagulant necessary for coagulation function tests? Can other anticoagulant tubes be used?

To perform coagulation function tests, either sodium citrate anticoagulated plasma or whole blood can be used. It’s important to ensure that the tube contains the correct blood volume as indicated, which yields a specified ratio of blood to anticoagulant. Any deviation from the specified blood volume, either insufficient or excessive, can impact the accuracy of the results.

Test Disc

Q1. How should the test disc be stored? What is the shelf life?

The test disc should be stored between 2-8°C. Its shelf life is 12 months from the date of manufacture. Before use, take the kit out and let it reach room temperature for 10 minutes.

Please note that the test disc is individually sealed, and once opened, it must be used within 30 minutes.

Q2. How to add the sample to the test?

After removing the testing disc from the aluminum foil pouch, place it on a flat surface. Use a micropipette or other sampling device to add the sample through the “Sample” port (marked with a red circle) on the disc. Add the diluent through the “Diluent” port (marked with a white circle) on the test disc. Please refer to the reagent manual for specific instructions on the sample volume.

Q3. What should be considered during sample addition?

Please wear lint-free gloves during the operation, as dust can cause destructive effects on the optical components of the instrument. Ensure the test kit remains level during and after sample addition, and be careful not to introduce air bubbles during addition. When placing the test kit, hold it by the edges and avoid touching other parts of the disc.

What precautions should be taken while performing the test?

  • Wear lint-free gloves to avoid any dust from getting onto the optical components of the instrument. 
  • Hold the edges and avoid touching other parts of the disc. 
  • Always place the disc in a horizontal position and carefully add the sample, avoiding introducing air bubbles.
Q4. Can the test disc be reused?

No, each test disc can only be used once.

Q5. Can the test disc be frozen?

No, the test disc cannot be frozen and should be stored at 2-8°C.

Q6. What is the difference between the CH15-1 Liver Function 4-Panel, CH15-1 Kidney Function 4-Panel, CH15-1 Electrolyte 4-Panel, and the CH05-1 Liver Function 17-Panel, CH06-1 Kidney Function 11-Panel, CH07-1 Electrolyte 7-Panel?

The General Chemistry Test Panel (CH03-CH14) requires 140μL of sample and can test a greater number of biomarkers. On the other hand, the microquantity test panels (CH15-CH17) require only 50μL of blood, which makes them ideal for small mammals, birds, and other small animals. However, they can test fewer biomarkers than the General Chemistry Test Panels.

Analyzer

Q1. Analyzer installation requirements

The equipment should be placed on a flat and sufficiently strong surface. The environment should be as dust-free, non-corrosive, and non-flammable as possible. There should be no mechanical vibrations, excessive noise, or power interference. Avoid placing the equipment near heat sources or airflow, ensure good ventilation, and prevent direct sunlight exposure. The working temperature should be between 10-30°C, with relative humidity not exceeding 85%. The ambient temperature should not be below 10°C.

Q2. How to maintain the analyzer

At the end of each workday, it is important to turn off the power and clean any residue from the tray using a damp alcohol cotton ball. It’s also crucial to promptly dispose of any waste materials generated during tests, including test discs and tips. Please wear lint-free gloves while performing daily maintenance.

Q3. Is it possible to connect the Analyzer to an external computer?

Yes, the equipment can be connected to an external computer via WiFi, allowing direct data transmission of test results for viewing and printing purposes. The data can also be transmitted to a computer via USB. A supporting software is provided by Bioguard for these functions.

Q4. Will choosing the wrong animal species affect the results?
Choosing the wrong animal species during testing (e.g., selecting a cat instead of a dog) will affect the test results in a way that the reference ranges will be different, so be aware that it could lead to misinterpretation due to high/low values.
Q5. Will choosing the wrong sample type affect the results?

Acceptable sample types include serum, plasma, and whole blood. Choosing the wrong sample type will not affect the results.

Q6. What are the measurement units that can be displayed?

The analyzer offers choices for measuring units in both US and SI systems.

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